Mounting evidence indicates that animals, including humans, have evolved a behavioral
disease-avoidance system designed to facilitate the detection and avoidance of sources of
pathogens, and that this system interacts with physiological defenses. The skin acts as an
important anatomical barrier, yet little research has investigated the role of tactile sensitivity
in disease avoidance. Increased tactile sensitivity in the presence of potential sources of
pathogens may facilitate prophylactic behaviors such as self-grooming. Across multiple …