Fact-checked against the scientific sources listed below.
Your nerves make tiny blood vessels under the skin narrow, and the fingertip folds into wrinkles. One idea: wrinkles work like rain treads, draining water so you grip better. But a 2014 study found that wrinkling did not improve dexterity in handling wet objects. So your nerves make the wrinkles for sure, but scientists still debate why. How long do your fingers take to wrinkle in the bath? Tell us in the comments.
Sources:
Braham J, Sadeh M, Sarova-Pinhas I., Skin wrinkling on immersion of hands: a test of sympathetic function (1979)
Wilder-Smith EP, Chow A., Water-immersion wrinkling is due to vasoconstriction (2003)
Changizi M, Weber R, Kotecha R, Palazzo J., Are wet-induced wrinkled fingers primate rain treads? (2011)
Kareklas K, Nettle D, Smulders TV., Water-induced finger wrinkles improve handling of wet objects (2013)
Haseleu J, Omerbašić D, Frenzel H, Gross M, Lewin GR., Water-induced finger wrinkles do not affect touch acuity or dexterity in handling wet objects (2014)
Voice and drawings made with AI.
#fingers #wrinkles #science #nerves
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