# To what extent does the skin permit germs to pass through?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-does-the-skin-permit-germs-to-pass-through/746003>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [February 13, 2016, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-does-the-skin-permit-germs-to-pass-through/746003 "2016-02-13T05:37:04Z")\
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**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\
**Post date:** [February 13, 2016, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-does-the-skin-permit-germs-to-pass-through/746003/2 "2016-02-13T07:03:50Z")

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In general, unbroken dry skin is generally impermeable to most bacteria and viruses, as well as inorganic substances that are suspended in or accompanied by a solvent. However, water is a mild solvent, and continuous suspension in water will make the skin somewhat more permeable, as well as playing host to various organisms, including fungus and anaerobic bacteria which can breach the stratum corner and expose the living tissue underneath to infection. This is the reason that scratches and abrasions should be kept clean and covered.

Stranger

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