Have you ever wondered why the skin on your fingers and toes shrivels up in the bath when other body parts stay the same?
In the past, people thought wrinkly skin was caused by the fingers and toes absorbing water, but this isn't correct. When nerves detect that skin has been wet for a period of time, they trigger blood vessels in the fingertips and toes to constrict. As those blood vessels get smaller, the skin around them collapses inwards, creating ridges.
Why does this happen? It's thought that wrinkly fingers and toes provide an evolutionary advantage in wet environments, helping humans have a better grip on wet surfaces or objects.
Fun facts
Fingers and toes usually need to be in water for about 5 minutes before they wrinkle.
Wrinkly fingers and toes also help drain water from the skin.
Last Updated on May 14, 2026 by Emma Vanstone
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