Assessment of Skin Turgor 

1. Purpose 
Evaluate hydration status and skin elasticity. 

2. Common Sites 
Adults: Dorsal hand, forearm 
Elderly: Sternum, clavicle 
Infants/Children: Abdomen, thigh 

3. Preparation 
Ensure skin is clean and accessible 
Explain procedure to the patient 

4. Technique 
Pinch a fold of skin gently between thumb and forefinger 
Lift the skin away from underlying tissue 
Release the skin and observe how quickly it returns to normal 

5. Interpretation 
Normal: Returns immediately 
Decreased turgor / tenting: Returns slowly or remains elevated 
Mild: 2–3 seconds 
Moderate: 5–10 seconds 
Severe: >10 seconds 

6. Considerations 
Avoid areas with scars, oedema, or sun damage 
Assess alongside other hydration signs: mucous membranes, capillary refill, blood pressure, urine output 
In elderly patients, decreased turgor may reflect age-related changes, rather than dehydration – always assess as part of the wider clinical picture.