What does it mean if the skin goes back slowly when pinched?

When the skin goes back slowly after being pinched, it indicates a certain level of dehydration in the individual. Skin turgor is a common clinical assessment used to determine hydration status in children. In a well-hydrated state, the skin will return to its normal position quickly, while slower return can suggest that the body is not retaining adequate fluid.

In cases of some dehydration, which is characterized by mild to moderate signs of dehydration, the skin may lose some of its elasticity. This delayed return after pinching reflects a deficiency in fluid balance within the body. While it is not as severe as what would be seen with severe dehydration, it indicates that the child needs more fluids and should be monitored closely.

Normal hydration would show immediate return of the skin to its original state, while severe dehydration would exhibit more pronounced signs, such as significant loss of skin elasticity, which might not return even when pinched. Therefore, the scenario described aligns well with the assessment for some dehydration.