Simple Three-Second Test Can Tell You If You're Dehydrated

The UK is currently in the midst of its longest heatwave in four years and that's why it's of the utmost importance to keep cool and hydrated.

But if you're worried that you or someone you know might be dehydrated, there's a simple test you can carry out to get an answer in seconds. Watch below:

All you have to do is pinch the skin above the middle knuckle of your finger (that's the wrinkly bit).

If it immediately goes down smoothly without any issues, then congratulations, you're hydrated, but if it stays pinched, then you need to get yourself some liquids.

The tip was shared to TikTok by user @datmathteacher who explained: "To see how dehydrated you are you have to squeeze your fingertip right here (pinching his middle finger), and if it goes back down, you're hydrated.

"If you squeeze it and it goes up like this, you're dehydrated."

The handy hack takes just seconds, but what's actually going on? Well, it's what's known as skin turgor – AKA rigid skin.

According to MedlinePlus: "Skin turgor is a sign of fluid loss (dehydration). Diarrhoea or vomiting can cause fluid loss. Infants and young children with these conditions can rapidly lose lot of fluid, if they do not take enough water.

"Fever speeds up this process.

"To check for skin turgor, the health care provider grasps the skin between two fingers so that it is tented up. Commonly on the lower arm or abdomen is checked.

"The skin is held for a few seconds then released.

"Skin with normal turgor snaps rapidly back to its normal position. Skin with poor turgor takes time to return to its normal position."

TikTok/@datmathteacher

MedlinePlus continued: "Lack of skin turgor occurs with moderate to severe fluid loss. Mild dehydration is when fluid loss equals 5 percent of body weight.

"Moderate dehydration is 10 percent loss and severe dehydration is 15 percent or more loss of body weight."

However, it is worth noting that if you are dehydrated, you will likely be experiencing other symptoms as well, so this test definitely isn't the be-all and end-all.

These include being thirsty (because obviously), having dark and smelly urine, feeling dizzy, tired, and having a dry mouth, lips and eyes, as the NHS explains.

You may also find yourself urinating less as your body simply doesn't contain enough liquids.

Older people may not benefit as much from this test either, as found by this study, as human skin naturally has less turgor as it ages.

Topics: Life, Health

Emma Guinness

@guinness_emma