How is skin peeling after a severe sunburn protective? How might a fever be protective?
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer:
Skin peeling after a severe sunburn is protective because it removes damaged cells that could become cancerous. A fever is protective because it creates an environment less favorable for pathogens and enhances the body’s immune response.
Explanation (300 words):
The human body has evolved several mechanisms to protect itself from injury and infection, even if those responses seem uncomfortable or unpleasant. Two examples of these protective mechanisms are skin peeling after a sunburn and fever during an infection.
After a severe sunburn, the skin is damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which can harm the DNA in skin cells. This DNA damage can lead to mutations and, over time, skin cancer. The body’s response is to shed the top layers of the skin through a process called desquamation or peeling. This removes the damaged cells before they have a chance to replicate abnormally, reducing the risk of cancer. Though peeling skin can be itchy or unsightly, it plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term skin health by eliminating compromised cells and allowing new, healthy skin to grow in their place.
Fever, on the other hand, is a systemic response to infection or inflammation. When the body detects pathogens like bacteria or viruses, the immune system releases substances such as pyrogens that signal the brain to raise the body’s core temperature. This increase in temperature can slow down the growth and reproduction of many pathogens, as they often thrive best at normal body temperatures (around 98.6°F or 37°C). Additionally, fever can enhance the activity of white blood cells, helping them move more quickly and perform their pathogen-fighting roles more efficiently. While prolonged or extremely high fevers can be dangerous, mild to moderate fevers are typically a sign that the body is actively defending itself.
In summary, both skin peeling and fever are protective mechanisms that help the body eliminate damage or fight infection, promoting healing and reducing long-term health risks.