Explain Skin Secretions - External Defence Mechanism
The oil and sweat secreted by sebaceous and soporiferous glands contains fatty and lactic acids, which makes the surface of the skin acidic (pH 3-5). These prevent the organisms from infecting the skin. Some friendly bacteria, which reside on the skin checks growth of microbes to a certain extent. Lysosomal enzymes of the skin have a bactericidal effect. Thus the skin becomes a self-disinfecting organ.