What does skin have (or do) to prevent pathogens from entering the human body?

Please try to give me the source of your answer and references that support your answer.|||The skin being the largest organ of the body provides a physical barrier against pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. Beneficial bacteria that live on the skin provides protection by releasing acids and wastes to kill off unwanted microorganisms.





The layer of overlapping dead cells on the surface of the skin prevents pathogens from entering the body. A break in the skin gives pathogens access to body tissues. If this happens blood clots then form a temporary barrier until new skin seals the wound.|||Acts as the first line of defense.|||the skin has LOTS of mechanisms to prevent pathogens from entering the body!





First, take into account the fact that we slough off layers of skin each day! Because we%26#039;re able to do this, bacteria have a harder time finding a way in because the cells with the bacteria eventually just get sloughed off.





Another mechanism is the fact that the outter layer of our skin, the epidermis, is very dry. And you know, in order for life to sustain itself you need water. Our skin is dry on purpose, to prevent the growth of bacteria - who love warm, moist envirnoments! (i.e. like the inside of us!)





Another really unique feature, our tears. They contain lysosyme, which is an enzyme. What%26#039;s unique about this enzyme is that it is capabale of breaking down the cell wall of bacteria! (Specifically it targets a substance found within bacteria cell walls called peptidoglycan) How neat that we NATURALLY make this material to prevent %26amp; kill bacteria on our skin near our eyes.





There are so many other very cool mechanisms, like hair, sweat glands, oil glands, etc. They all help contribute overall to keeping the bacteria to a minimal level.





I hope this helps! Best of Luck!


Best souces for research www.wikipedia.org, www.webmd.com, and any encyclopedia website!