Skin elasticity

Skin elasticity depends on its fluid content and the properties of its constituents (primarily connective tissue proteins). Skin elasticity is tested by gathering the skin into a fold and observing its straightening. Normal turgor is characterized by sufficient skin elasticity, when the released skin fold straightens instantly.

Skin elasticity depends on age - children and young people have higher skin elasticity than the elderly. The latter have significantly reduced skin turgor, the skin is stretchable, the skin fold straightens out with delay. In addition, decreased skin elasticity occurs with many diseases.

1. Skin elasticity is particularly sharply reduced in Ehlers-Danlos disease (genetically determined).
2. Also, decreased skin turgor may be associated with dehydration of any etiology. A classic example is cholera, when, due to severe diarrhea and dehydration, skin elasticity is reduced so much that the skin becomes wrinkled (a classic symptom of "washerwoman's hands").
3. Gastrointestinal diseases (diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome, including due to helminthic infestations).
4. Endocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism).
5. Reduction of swelling
6. Malignant neoplasms.
7. Diseases accompanied by cardiac or pulmonary failure (terminal stage of the disease, active treatment with diuretics).
8. Chronic diseases (COPD, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.).

When palpating the subcutaneous tissue, painless, limited, encapsulated areas of compacted adipose tissue can be detected.

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