Skin: The first line of defense

As soft and as vulnerable as your bare skin may feel, it’s tough enough to serve as the body’s primary armor against roving bacteria and viruses.

What makes it so well suited to its protective role is the layer of dead cells that form the top part of the skin, the epidermis. Thinner than plastic clingwrap, this layer is composed of a protein called keratin, which is difficult to break down. As a result it’s impossible for most infectious agents to penetrate the skin, except when infectious or damaged.

Even before germs land on the skin, they are often stopped by hairs, which help to keep out dirt and microorganisms. Germs that do manage to get past the hairs land on the film of sweat and oil, laced with acidic chemicals and beneficial bacteria that together hold back hostile organisms

Once the skin is injured, it can no longer act as the barrier that it’s supposed to be. So how do you treat a minor cut to ensure that it doesn’t open the door to trouble?

• Let it bleed a bit: This helps the cut clean itself of pieces of dirt and debris. Do not use alcohol, iodine or mercurial solutions to clean the wound, as these strong disinfectants can damage tissue.

• If you have a gentle cleanser, such as mild, unscented soap, mix it with water, preferably lukewarm. Otherwise, liberally flood the cut with plain water, then rinse. Pat dry gently with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.

• Encourage clotting by pressing down for five minutes on the washed cut with clean gauze, cloth, or if necessary, your bare hand. Release the pressure slowly. There is generally no need to apply an antibacterial ointment.

• Check to be sure that your immunization against tetanus is up to date: you need a booster every ten years to protect against this serious bacterial infection, which can be introduced by any wound and can cause a fatal neurological reaction marked by lockjaw.