Why does staying in water for a long time cause wrinkles on the fingers? Have you ever wondered what causes wrinkles to form when you soak your toes in water for long periods? Surprisingly, it is the complex functions of our nervous system that are responsible for this phenomenon.
Aquatic wrinkling, known as the phenomenon where our fingers become wrinkled after prolonged water immersion, is known as 'Aquatic Wrinkling' in English. Although it was previously believed that water absorption into the skin caused these wrinkles, recent research has debunked this misconception.
Wrinkling of the fingers when exposed to water is actually a result of the influence of the nervous system. When we dip our toes in water, it triggers subtle adjustments through the nervous system in the blood vessels in the outer layers of our skin. Consequently, this change in blood flow causes the skin to contract, resulting in the formation of the characteristic wrinkles we observe.
This reaction is widely believed to have the potential to increase traction in wet conditions and improve the handling capabilities of the vehicle.
Additionally, it should be noted that the tendency to wrinkle is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, meaning it is not experienced by individuals with poor finger sensation. It is important to emphasize that this wrinkling is only a temporary and completely harmless reaction, which disappears naturally after the skin dries.