Which finding is typical of severe hypothermia's skin appearance?

Which finding is typical of severe hypothermia's skin appearance?

• A. Moist, flushed skin
• B. Oily skin
• C. Sweating
• D. Dry, waxy skin

Answer: (D)

In severe hypothermia, the body drastically reduces blood flow to the skin and shuts down much of its cooling mechanisms. The result is a skin that is cool to the touch, pale or mottled, and notably dry and waxy rather than moist. The dryness and waxiness come from the near-cessation of sweating and the reduced perfusion that makes the skin feel stiff and wax-like. This dry, waxy appearance is a hallmark of advanced hypothermia. Moist, flushed skin would point more toward heat exposure or fever, where vasodilation and sweating are common. Sweating is typically not present in severe hypothermia because the body is conserving heat. Oily skin is not a characteristic feature of hypothermia.

In severe hypothermia, the body drastically reduces blood flow to the skin and shuts down much of its cooling mechanisms. The result is a skin that is cool to the touch, pale or mottled, and notably dry and waxy rather than moist. The dryness and waxiness come from the near-cessation of sweating and the reduced perfusion that makes the skin feel stiff and wax-like. This dry, waxy appearance is a hallmark of advanced hypothermia.

Moist, flushed skin would point more toward heat exposure or fever, where vasodilation and sweating are common. Sweating is typically not present in severe hypothermia because the body is conserving heat. Oily skin is not a characteristic feature of hypothermia.