self test for dehydration

[yonkers]

i was told that a simple self test to check for dehydration was to pinch the skin at the back of the wrist, if it stay pinched that means your dehydrated. it is supposed to also work in winter, actually it was during winter hiking, so not sure if it works in summer.
can anyone verify this or correct this?

 

[Kevin Rooney]

Yup, that's one of the ways. Best to check yourself when you're home and well-hydrated so you have a basis for comparison. When you pinch and gently pull up on the skin, it springs back easily (this changes slowly as you age as skin looses elasticity, but it's all relative). If the skin maintains a little 'tent', and then slowly goes back to normal it's usually a sign of dehydration.

 

[bcskier]

Monitor the color of your urine to gauge the level of hydration. Easier to do in winter. The darker it is the more dehydrated you are.

 

[Pete_Hickey]

The skin-pinch thing is also an age test. The older you are, the longer it takes to return.

 

[Tom Rankin]

Monitor the color of your urine to gauge the level of hydration. Easier to do in winter. The darker it is the more dehydrated you are.

And if you don't go at all, you are probably dehydrated!

 

[rhihn]

The skin-pinch thing is also an age test. The older you are, the longer it takes to return.

I pinched my skin yesterday and I'm still waiting for it to return.

 

[Artex]

Monitor the color of your urine to gauge the level of hydration. Easier to do in winter. The darker it is the more dehydrated you are.

I second that. If it's clear, you're in the clear. If it's yellow, drink up. If it's red, see a doctor.

 

[jmegillon149]

the pinch test isn't so much on the wrist, but the knuckles. The urine color is good, as is going in general.

As far as pre-hike/everyday health goes, I recently purchased a scale that monitors body fat and hydration level. (probably) Not going to bring it on the trail - but being well hydrated day to day will help you be hydrated on the trail.

 

[Dugan]

Works for dogs and cats as well. Their skin is looser so either get familiar with how it normall snaps back, or ask your vet what the normal rate should be.

 

[Whiteman]

Other Use for Pinch Test

The pinch test a good way to identify aliens as well. If the skin changes color or breaks off in scales, you are an alien.

If you haven't peed in a few hours you might have a great bladder, but you are probably also dehydrating. If you haven't gone in about 8 hours, you might want to consider an IV infusion.

 

[DougPaul]

If you haven't peed in a few hours you might have a great bladder, but you are probably also dehydrating. If you haven't gone in about 8 hours, you might want to consider an IV infusion.

Another way of looking at the same:

You should pee out a minimum of .5-1 liter per day. (More is ok too.) So if you don't pee at least several times a day, you aren't drinking enough. Also while the color of one's urine is also a good indicator, certain foods can give a dark color which can falsely suggest dehydration.

Doug

 

[Kevin Rooney]

... certain foods can give a dark color which can falsely suggest dehydration.

I think certain vitamins (B family?) can give it a bright yellow color also. Since I take vitamins in the AM, by noon this affect is gone. YMMV.

 

[Rick]

I think certain vitamins (B family?) can give it a bright yellow color also. Since I take vitamins in the AM, by noon this affect is gone. YMMV.

I do remember taking a large does (100mg or so) of Niacin to get that bright red skin flush, I did it once on a Friday AM, so an old boss could see I was not feeling well, to get out early (sick) to go backpacking for the weekend

 

[adkpooh]

taking a large does (100mg or so) of Niacin to get that bright red skin flush, I did it once on a Friday AM, so an old boss could see I was not feeling well, to get out early (sick) to go backpacking for the weekend

Heh...heh....heh...nice...