NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

The colour of skin can relate to emotion and give clues to physical wellbeing. Paleness may be the result of a decreased blood supply to the skin or from fear or shock. Skin flushing or blushing is a response that occurs with embarrassment or anger or when the body temperature increases (Tortora & Derrickson, 2013).

Although these are classic signs, pallor and redness can be harder to detect in darker skin tones and subtle changes can be missed or overlooked. Non-verbal communication should not be relied on alone. Skin tone must always be taken into consideration when assessing the individual to establish a baseline. This is to ensure that colour changes are properly noted. It is essential to incorporate other senses, particularly touch to the skin and wound assessment. (Wounds UK 2021).