Posted by Cam W. on December 4, 2001, at 8:27:52
In reply to But why?, posted by Dinah on December 4, 2001, at 8:07:31
Dinah - The skin is an organ (check Trivial Pursuit™) that protects other body organs from infiltration from bacterial and viral parasites. By opening the skin, you are allowing an access point for potentially life-threatening infection. Opening the skin (ie. producing lesions) is the "only" way many fatal infections can gain access to the body. For example, HIV and the flesh-eating staphlococcus bacterium are two that come to mind. Really, unless it is absolutely necessary, skin should remain intact, to maintain homeostasis.
Just my opinion - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:14653
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20011130/msgs/14864.html