Something I've always wondered. Due to osmosis??
2007-06-08 06:00:17 · 2 answers · asked by lucy d 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
Normally, our skin is protected by natural oils (sebum) so water rolls off. However, if you have been in water for a while, that oil washes off removing your skin's waterproof protection. With the protection gone, your body soaks up the water causing the fingers and toes (also palms and soles) to swell and appear wrinkled. Did you know this only happens in the parts of the body that don't grow hair?
No, it is not considered to be osmosis; it is absorption.
2007-06-08 18:38:52 · answer #1 · answered by ilse72 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
This has to be an evolutionary trait where the melanin protection of dark skin had no value in these areas. Bear in mind, armpits do get exposed to sunlight when, for example, picking berries off trees, sleeping during the daytime an so on.
2016-05-20 00:19:47 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋