Inhabitants of ancient towns built protective walls to prevent intruders. The town wall acts as a burglary proof to stop enemies from invading the town .Your body is likewise endowed with a protective “wall-”your skin.

Our skin is made up of thousands of bacteria and other microorganisms some of which are pathogenic, that is, can cause disease and infections. Our skin does not only serve as a barrier to foreign bodies but also produces special proteins which act to destroy any intruder. Some of these proteins are at standby to attack any invader while others are called upon as a result of damage to the skin.

Cathelicidins and defensins are among the first antimicrobial peptides discovered and they are called upon when foreign bodies attack the body. Inflammation or injuries are the major signals for the secretion of both groups by cells in the upper skin.

Dermicidin is another type of anti microbial peptide that is always active. This protein is produce in the sweat glands of healthy skin. This protects the skin from infections and eczema.

So our skin can be likened to an ancient town wall which protects the town from enemies.