Why Do Your Hands Get Pruney?

Your fingers get wrinkles because your nerves tell them to puff up when they are wet. It is not just about soaking like a sponge.

Think of your skin as having tiny balloons inside it called capillaries. When you stay in the water for a long time, your brain notices and sends a signal through your nerves. These signals make the balloons fill with more blood. As they swell, the extra skin has to go somewhere, so it folds into lines.

Yes! Scientists think these wrinkles are like tire treads on wet roads. They help you grip wet objects better, such as rocks or wet branches. If your nerves were damaged and could not send this signal, your fingers would stay smooth even in the bath.