The phenomenon of fingers turning white and wrinkly after soaking in water is normal.

Reasons for fingers turning white and wrinkly after soaking in water for a while

The reason why fingers turn white and wrinkly after soaking in water for a while is actually controlled by the nervous system. When fingers are soaked in water for a long time, the nerves will prompt the diameter of the blood vessels at the fingertips to decrease. At this time, the surface area of the skin remains unchanged, resulting in grooves on the fingers.

The phenomenon of fingers turning white and wrinkly after soaking in water for a while is a result of evolution, rather than a lack of something in the body. If finger wrinkling was merely a result of skin expansion due to contact with water, it might have some effect, but not necessarily. However, if the nervous system controls this specific reaction, it can be assumed that it must serve a particular purpose and is a choice of evolution. Evolution only selects beneficial changes.

Functions of fingers turning white and wrinkly after soaking in water for a while

1. The wrinkled form of fingers can help water drain more easily and increase friction between fingers and objects, similar to the tread pattern on tires. Wrinkles help enhance people's grip on wet objects, making it easier to pick up or carry objects with wet surfaces underwater. Finger wrinkling has a practical effect of enhancing grip on wet objects and preventing dishes from slipping. However, wrinkled finger skin can help grasp slippery objects without affecting the grip on dry objects.

2. The phenomenon of fingers turning white and wrinkly after soaking in water for a while helped human ancestors walk and forage in wet environments.

3. Finger skin wrinkling is a result of vasoconstriction, which is a reaction of the autonomic nervous system. It is an active process rather than a passive reaction of the skin absorbing water as previously thought.