What is a common sign of dehydration?

A common sign of dehydration is dry skin or chapped lips. When the body loses more fluids than it takes in, it can lead to a decrease in moisture in the skin and mucous membranes, resulting in dryness. This is often accompanied by other symptoms such as thirst, dark urine, and fatigue. The body relies on adequate hydration for maintaining skin elasticity and hydration levels, so noticeable changes like dry skin and chapped lips can serve as early indicators of dehydration.

Increased heart rate can occur in dehydration but is generally a response to compensate for reduced blood volume rather than a direct indicator of dehydration itself. High blood pressure is not typically associated with dehydration; often, dehydration can lead to lower blood pressure due to reduced blood volume. Excessive sweating might indicate fluid loss but is not an indication of dehydration on its own, especially if the individual is replenishing fluids simultaneously. Thus, observing dry skin or chapped lips provides a clear and direct sign of the body's need for hydration.