Skin Absorption

force

I heard and read that mercury and some of its compounds can get absorbed through the skin how could it do that ?

Aren't our skins soposed to be waterproof ? I don't think that while washing our hands with water the water pases through the epidermis.

NeverDie

Well actually, if you have ever gone swimming or have taken a long bath before, then you've probably noticed your fingers started to prune. I bilieve the pruning is caused by the absoption of water. Right? Because the water would flow into our cells because they have a lower conc of water than the surroundings.

So i supose that if this is the case then mercury could probably do the same.

Evo

Chemicals are easily absorbed through the skin. That's why you see "patches" for nicotine and birth control.

Here is a good site that discusses it.

http://www.cape.ca/children/derm2.html

Moonbear

Lipid soluble compounds can fairly easily pass through the skin, as can very small molecules. Water soluble compounds don't have as easy of a time, because the cell membrane has the hydrophobic portion of the lipid bilayer facing "outward." They can still get in, but you'd have to soak for a much longer time. Actually, for anything passing through the skin, contact time is important.

Mk

Ah, so can I take my vitamins through my skin? Like wear patches that last a week?