Barnacles are marine crustaceans, related to crabs and lobsters, often found clinging to hard surfaces in the ocean. A common question arises regarding their ability to attach to humans. While the thought of barnacles growing on human skin might seem unsettling, biological realities clarify why such occurrences are not typical.
How Barnacles Secure Themselves
Barnacles begin their lives as free-swimming cyprid larvae, which find a suitable place to settle. Their primary role is to locate a stable substrate for the barnacle’s sessile adult life. The cyprid larva explores potential surfaces using specialized antennules, assessing factors like texture, chemistry, and the presence of biofilms.
Once a suitable spot is identified, the larva attaches itself, secreting a powerful, protein-based adhesive known as barnacle cement. This natural glue is strong, capable of adhering firmly even in the challenging underwater environment. This attachment is permanent for the adult barnacle, which then undergoes metamorphosis and develops its hard, calcified shell.
Why Human Skin Isn’t a Suitable Host
Human skin is not an ideal surface for barnacle attachment due to several biological and environmental factors. Barnacles require a stable, non-shedding, and submerged surface for permanent settlement. Human skin, in contrast, is soft, flexible, and constantly renews itself. This continuous shedding prevents the long-term, stable adhesion that barnacles need to establish themselves.
Furthermore, humans are mobile, and their constant movement would disrupt the initial attachment process of the barnacle larvae. The lack of a rigid, permanent substrate like rocks, boat hulls, or shells also makes human skin unsuitable. Additionally, barnacles are marine organisms adapted to specific saltwater environments, and human skin is not constantly submerged in the marine conditions necessary for their survival and growth.
Encountering Barnacles: What to Know
While barnacle attachment to living human skin is highly unlikely, minor contact with barnacles is possible in marine environments. Barnacles have sharp, calcified shells that can cause cuts or scrapes if brushed against. These abrasions can be prone to infection from bacteria present in the marine environment.
If a cut or scratch occurs from contact with a barnacle, clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Applying an antiseptic and covering the wound with a sterile bandage can help prevent infection. To avoid potential abrasions, wear appropriate footwear when walking on or near barnacle-covered surfaces.