Maceration indicates which condition?

Maceration indicates which condition?

• A. Dehydration
• B. Overhydration
• C. Necrosis
• D. Edema

Answer: (B)

Maceration happens when tissue—usually skin—is exposed to moisture for a prolonged period, causing it to soften, break down, and become more vulnerable to injury. This is a sign of overhydration at the tissue level, not dryness. Dehydration would produce dry, wrinkled skin rather than soft, soggy tissue. Necrosis refers to tissue death, which maceration is not. Edema involves swelling from excess fluid, but maceration specifically describes softening from ongoing moisture exposure, often from incontinence or wound drainage. So the presence of softened, oversaturated skin points to overhydration.

Maceration happens when tissue—usually skin—is exposed to moisture for a prolonged period, causing it to soften, break down, and become more vulnerable to injury. This is a sign of overhydration at the tissue level, not dryness. Dehydration would produce dry, wrinkled skin rather than soft, soggy tissue. Necrosis refers to tissue death, which maceration is not. Edema involves swelling from excess fluid, but maceration specifically describes softening from ongoing moisture exposure, often from incontinence or wound drainage. So the presence of softened, oversaturated skin points to overhydration.