Clammy skin can be a sign of heat exhaustion, shock, sepsis, or cardiac distress, which are serious medical conditions. If you or someone has clammy skin and symptoms of cardiac or respiratory distress, shock, or sepsis, call 911 immediately. Clammy skin feels moist and cool. A person with clammy skin may also look pale. Exertion or being in the heat can cause sweating, which could lead to clammy skin.