[Harry01 (OP)]

I felt this was a more appropriate place to put this question. Now the challenge is that any substance has to get around the skin's shedding process. Every non-biological substance is removed by the skin by its shedding process (in several days?) I put this to a microbiologist who said that it would be hard for microbes to stay on the skin, given the conditions on the skin are hazardous to them, but the presence of my uninvited guest suggests that in some conditions it is very possible, which has challenged conventional wisdom about this. Any input would be appreciated as I have been to four dermatology hospitals and I am a bit out of my depth. Thanks

[paul cotter]

There are millions of bacteria on human skin but most are in a dormant or semidormant state as there is a paucity of nutrients. A puncture wound can change this scenario dramatically as the nutrients available in the dermis can sustain rampant growth. One can clean the skin removing most of these bacteria but it does not take long for recolonization to occur.

[Harry01 (OP)]

Hi Paul,

In the case of infection this happens. It's very interesting. Could you think how a microbial substance/biofilm that isn't part of the millions of bacteria on the skin could adhere/re-adhere to the skin and workaround the skin's shedding process? Thank you.

[Harry01 (OP)]

Sorry, without infection, obviously. Thanks.

[paul cotter]

No, unfortunately I cannot help you here. I am a retired engineer but I did do 3years chem/biochem/microbiology. I know what a biofilm is but that is the limit of my knowledge here.

[Harry01 (OP)]

Thanks, Paul. I Appreciate your input.

[Harry01 (OP)]

It's been there for 9 years. I am going to buy T gel now in an attempt to remove it. It's the only thing I know that seems to have some effect on this substance, but its mechanism baffles me. It's well disguised, greasy and slimy to feel and uniformly covers my skin. It is a classic problem to make someone look like they're mad. No-one would expect to find a stick insect in a pile of sticks.

Well, if anyone wants to speculate on the chemistry involved. Chat GPT says that the barrier would be formed from polysaccharides and proteins. I wonder what analysis could be done to show this if they are having trouble seeing it on the skin. And then what would break it down, disrupt it's adhesive properties to remove it from the skin

Thank you

[Petrochemicals]

I have had ring worm before that creates a slippery sheen on the skin. I used Tincture of iodine.

[Harry01 (OP)]

I will try it, I guess. But a different problem, no, and mechanism? Want something that disrupts its clinging mechanism or breaks it down safely, so as to remove it.