There’s a scientific explanation for this phenomenon, and a simulation video posted by Zack D. Films sheds light on the concept of ‘wrinkling in the water’.
The video illustrates that individuals with nerve damage do not experience wrinkling when their hands are submerged in water, prompting experts to delve deeper into the cause of this occurrence.
Scientists found that the nervous system plays a role in ‘constricting’ blood vessels, and this reduced blood flow leads to the wrinkling of the skin.
This effect enhances your hands’ and feet’s traction in water, which can be particularly helpful given the challenges associated with aquatic environments.
Numerous viewers have commented on the YouTube video, with many expressing appreciation for its educational content.
One viewer noted, “Glad this guy exists. I’m learning more and more just by watching these,” while another added: “Man this guy really answering those random 3 AM questions. What a teacher!”
A third viewer commented: “Bro is answering all our childhood questions at this point.”
Neurologists Einar Wilder-Smith and Adeline Chow, formerly of the National University Hospital in Singapore, thoroughly investigated the phenomenon of wrinkly hands.
These specialists measured blood circulation in the hands of volunteers as they immersed them in water, leading to a significant finding as the volunteers’ fingertips began to wrinkle.
There was a clear reduction in blood flow to the fingers.
Nick Davis, a neuroscientist and psychologist at Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK, who is quite interested in fingertip wrinkling, commented: “It makes sense when you look at your fingers when they go wrinkly.”
“The finger pads go pale and that is because the blood supply is being constricted away from the surface.”
Some researchers suggest that pruney fingers might have provided an evolutionary advantage to our ancestors.
Wrinkled fingers might have been beneficial for traversing wet rocks or grasping branches more effectively.
It’s plausible that such activities were common in the past.
So, that’s the explanation for why fingers wrinkle when exposed to water.