Stretchiest skin
Who
Garry Turner
What
15.8 centimetre(s)
Where
United States (Los Angeles)
When

Garry Turner (UK) is able to stretch the skin of his stomach to a distended length of 15.8 cm (6.25 in) due to a rare medical condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a disorder of the connective tissues affecting the skin, ligaments and internal organs.

With this condition, the collagen that strengthens the skin and determines its elasticity becomes defective, resulting in, among other things, a loosening of the skin, and "hypermobility" of the joints. In more serious cases, it can cause the fatal collapse or rupturing of blood vessels.

Garry Turner Q&A, from April 2012

Q: When did you know that you had stretchy skin?

A: I have always known that my skin was different - as a small child my uncles used to have fun showing their friends.

Q: Are there parts of the body where the skin is very stretchy?

A: Anywhere that has plenty of skin is best - tummy, neck, arms, etc. Areas not so stretchy are hands and feet.

Q: Does it hurt?

A: Stretching doesnt hurt at all. However, other aspects of the syndrome are very painful, e.g. joints.

Q: Is there any cure for the condition?

A: There is no cure as yet.