Skin turgor can vary with age; which statement is true?

• A. Older adults and infants tend to have slower return to normal skin turgor.
• B. All ages return at same rate.
• C. Older animals have faster return.
• D. Turgor is unaffected by age.

Answer: (A)

Skin turgor is a measure of how quickly the skin returns to its normal position after being pinched, and that rebound depends on skin elasticity and hydration, both of which change with age. In older individuals, loss of elasticity in the skin and reduced subcutaneous fat make the skin less supple, so it takes longer to snap back. In infants, the skin is very thin and in a rapid developmental stage, with different connective tissue and hydration characteristics, which can also slow the return to baseline or make the response more variable. Because of these age-related changes, older adults and infants tend to show a slower return to normal skin turgor. The other statements aren’t accurate because turgor is affected by age, not all ages return at the same rate, and older animals don’t have a faster return.