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Saturday September 21, 2024

TikTok viral trend tells if you're dehydrated?

Viral TikTok medical trend is making rounds showing people's hydration levels

By Web Desk
May 03, 2024
TikTok skin pinch trend may accurately check your hydration levels. — TikTok/@footdocdana
TikTok skin pinch trend may accurately check your hydration levels. — TikTok/@footdocdana

A TikTok video has unveiled a simple way to monitor your hydration levels and it is being considered as "totally legit".

A man pinches the skin on the back of his knuckles in the video, according to New York Post.

"Dehydration check!" he says. "Squeeze your fingertip right here and if it goes back down, you’re hydrated."

He then repeats the same process, only this time, his skin doesn’t snap back into place. Consequently, it stays pinched, which means that he’s dehydrated.

"This is known as the skin pinch or the skin turgor test," Dr Dana Brems, a foot surgeon with over 2 million TikTok followers, explained. 

"When you’re well hydrated your skin has greater elasticity and it quickly returns to its original shape after you pinch it. On the other hand, dehydration leads to decreased skin elasticity and a slower return to normal."

The trick can be an easy way to test your hydration levels and is also science-backed.

This check can be tried by pinching the skin on the back of your hand, your abdomen or over the front of your chest right below your collarbone, according to MedlinePlus.

Drink some water, if your skin doesn’t quickly return to its normal position.

In contrast, it could be a sign of edema, if your skin is difficult to pinch, which means your body is hanging on to lots of fluids and swelling up. 


Disclaimer: This may not work for everyone. Consult your doctor before trying this out.