When we bathe in the bathroom, take a shower, refresh ourselves in a river, lake or sea, we notice that our fingers become wrinkled. Many people are afraid of this fact, but there is nothing wrong with it. There are several hypotheses that explain why fingers wrinkle in the water.
First hypothesis
For a long time, scientists thought that wrinkles formed on the fingers only because the skin was in contact with moisture. The answer to the question of why the fingers wrinkle in the water was the version that the skin can absorb liquid. This feature is due to the fact that blood vessels narrow under hot water.
The hypothesis was defeated because it does not explain why our fingers are wrinkled by water if it is cool or cold. It was also found that if the nerves are cut, the skin also remains smooth. Because of this discovery, the hypothesis was recognized as false.
Biological causes of wrinkling of fingers
There is also a biological explanation for why fingers wrinkle in the water. The fact is that in contact with water, oils are washed off, which are designed to protect the dermis from mechanical damage. As a result, the upper layer of the epithelium is deformed, and deep wrinkles are formed.
The lower layer of the skin does not absorb moisture, so it does not swell and does not change its structure.
Why don't your fingers swell
But why do fingers quickly wrinkle in the water rather than swell, because it would be more logical? The fact is that our body is 70% water. Protective oils that are present on the skin ensure the safety of this fluid. Without them, the body would lose moisture, and when immersed in water, dehydration would be much faster.
When we bathe, the oils are washed off. Water begins to seep out. The membranes become empty, so they curl up and ... form wrinkles.
We notice that fingers, when immersed in water, become like dried fruits, but other parts of the body remain in normal condition. This is due to the fact that the latter have additional sebaceous glands. They produce protective oil at almost the same rate as water washes it. Therefore, the liquid simply does not have time to leave the body, the membranes remain full, therefore, the skin does not wrinkle.
The biological characteristics of the human body must be supported by scientific explanation. A recent theory explaining why fingers wrinkle in water is related to evolution.
The evolutionary theory of finger wrinkles
English scientists have studied this phenomenon for a very long time. As a result, having sorted out all kinds of hypotheses, they came to the conclusion that the fingers wrinkle upon contact with water due to evolution.
Having studied the photos of wrinkled fingers of many people, scientists found that the drawings on them are identical, and the location of the folds is always the same. Later it was experimentally revealed that such a structure helps to hold wet objects much more effectively. That is, when immersed in water, our body adapts to this habitat.
After analyzing the historical aspect, scientists decided that primitive people wrinkled fingers were simply necessary for survival. The ancient man was constantly in contact with water. He fished, was forced to hunt in rainy weather and swim to hide from predators. If the fingers remained smooth, this would complicate the process of hunting and fishing, since the tools would constantly fall out of hand.
Such an answer to the question of why fingers wrinkle after water is now the most common.
The feet are also wrinkled in contact with moisture. The explanation for this phenomenon is similar to the previous one. To better understand the mechanism of this phenomenon, scientists recommend that we recall ... car tires. When it rains, the ground becomes wet. The tread provides good grip. So it is in nature. If the sole of the feet were completely smooth, then the primitive man would constantly slip and fall, which in itself dooms him to death during an escape from the enemy.
Unresolved Tasks
Scientists are still puzzled by the question of why the wrinkles on the fingers, which are so necessary for survival, did not remain forever, regardless of the influence of water, because it would be logical. Studies that address this phenomenon are still ongoing. But scientists have already put forward one hypothesis. They believe that wrinkles on the fingers dull the sensitivity. Determining the properties of objects by touch would be a problematic action. Such a theory is really believable, but to prove it, scientists conduct additional research and experiment.
Thus, there is nothing to worry about when fingers become wrinkled in contact with water. This is a natural reaction of the body to moisture, so do not be afraid of this phenomenon.