A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y

Skin - clammy
Definition:
Skin that is cool, moist, and usually pale.

Alternative Names:
Sweat - cold; Clammy skin; Cold sweat

Considerations:

Clammy skin may be an indication of an emergency situation, and the doctor should be notified immediately.

Common Causes:
Home Care:

For shock, the patient should lie down on the back with legs elevated about 12 inches. Either call for emergency help or take the victim to a hospital. For heat exhaustion, have the person drink plenty of fluids and move to a cool, shaded environment.

Call your health care provider if:
  • shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or signs of shock (such as confusion, diminished consciousness, or weak pulse) are present. If you are unable to reach your provider, call for emergency help or take the victim to a hospital.
  • contact your doctor if the symptoms do not resolve quickly.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Note: If the person is hard to awaken, has difficulty breathing, or has a rapid, weak pulse this is an emergency!

Medical history questions documenting clammy skin in detail may include:

  • time pattern
    • How quickly did this develop?
    • Did it develop suddenly?
    • Has it ever happened before?
  • aggravating factors
    • Has there been an injury?
    • Is the person ill?
    • Are they in pain?
    • Do they seem anxious or stressed?
    • Has there been a recent exposure to high temperatures?
  • other

Vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) will be monitored, a cause determined, and appropriate emergency measures will be taken.
Review Date: 2/19/2002
Reviewed By: Todd Severson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com