Skin Barrier: How Germs Enter & How to Prevent Infection

Germs can enter your body through cuts and other breaks in your skin, even small ones that may not be visible to the naked eye. That's why it's important to keep wounds clean and bandaged, and to avoid picking at scabs.

Intact, healthy skin is an effective barrier against germs. In fact, your skin is constantly shedding dead cells that are covered in germs. However, if the skin is broken, such as by a cut or burn, germs can enter the body and cause an infection.

That's why it's important to keep your skin clean, especially after you've been in contact with anything that could be contaminated with germs. You should also avoid touching your face, as this can transfer germs from your hands to your eyes, nose, or mouth.

If you do cut or burn yourself, it's important to clean the wound with soap and water and then apply a bandage. If the wound is deep or does not heal properly, you should see a doctor.