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Skin - clammy

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Sweat - cold; Clammy skin; Cold sweat

Definition    Return to top

Clammy skin is cool, moist, and usually pale.

Considerations    Return to top

Clammy skin may be an emergency. Call your doctor or 911 immediately.

Causes    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

Home care depends on what is causing the clammy skin. Call for medical help if you are not sure.

If you think the person is in shock, lie him or her down on the back and raise the legs about 12 inches. Call your local emergency number (such as 911) or take the person to the hospital.

If the clammy skin may be due to heat exhaustion, have the person drink plenty of fluids and move to a cool, shaded environment.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Seek immediate medical help if any of the following symptoms occur:

Always contact your doctor or go to the emergency department if the symptoms do not go away quickly.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the symptoms and the patient's medical history, including:

Update Date: 1/16/2009

Updated by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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