In the 'Symptoms - Aging' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about skin elasticity:
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Skin Elasticity. Pinch a large section of skin on the back of your hand, holding firmly for 5 seconds. Release and count the number of seconds for the pinched skin to return to its normal (totally flat - don't cheat!) appearance.
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
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"No / don't know" |
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| 2. |
"0-2 seconds (very elastic)" |
Good skin elasticity |
A symptom |
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"3-4 seconds" |
Reduced skin elasticity |
A symptom |
| 4. |
"5-8 seconds" |
Reduced skin elasticity |
A symptom |
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"Over 8 seconds (very inelastic)" |
Reduced skin elasticity |
A symptom |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
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| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
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4 |
5 |
Dehydration |
Inelastic skin is a sign of severe chronic dehydration. |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Potassium Need |
Skin elasticity is an indicator of potassium levels. The skin on the back of one's hand, when pinched, should snap back like a fresh rubber band; if there is not enough potassium or too much sodium then the tissues will start to harden and return to their resting position more slowly. |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Premature/Signs of Aging |
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GLOSSARY
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Potassium
A mineral that serves as an electrolyte and is involved in the balance of fluid within the body. Our bodies contain more than twice as much potassium as sodium (typically 9oz versus 4oz). About 98% of total body potassium is inside our cells. Potassium is the principal cation (positive ion) of the fluid within cells and is important in controlling the activity of the heart, muscles, nervous system and just about every cell in the body. Potassium regulates the water balance and acid-base balance in the blood and tissues. Evidence is showing that potassium is also involved in bone calcification. Potassium is a cofactor in many reactions, especially those involving energy production and muscle building.
Sodium
An essential mineral that our bodies regulate and conserve. Excess sodium retention increases the fluid volume (edema) and low sodium leads to less fluid and relative dehydration. The adult body averages a total content of over 100 grams of sodium, of which a surprising one-third is in bone. A small amount of sodium does get into cell interiors, but this represents only about ten percent of the body content. The remaining 57 percent or so of the body sodium content is in the fluid immediately surrounding the cells, where it is the major cation (positive ion). The role of sodium in the extracellular fluid is maintaining osmotic equilibrium (the proper difference in ions dissolved in the fluids inside and outside the cell) and extracellular fluid volume. Sodium is also involved in nerve impulse transmission, muscle tone and nutrient transport. All of these functions are interrelated with potassium.
Last updated: May 10, 2007
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