Comprised of five morphologically distinct cellular layers, plantar skin is well designed to protect the feet from injury. Indeed, some studies have shown that the skin along the soles of the feet can withstand immensely greater amounts of abrasion or chafing than the skin along most other parts of the body before the pain threshold is reached. Reports also indicate that plantar skin is somewhat resistant to puncture, the integument attempting to shape itself around any sharp objects it comes into contact with. Such characteristics make walking without shoes relatively safe, and in many countries barefoot activity continues to be typical. However, plantar skin is susceptible to bacterial and viral invasions, and a number of problems may occur if infections develop.