ensuring that immunizations are current. Army regulations also empower the unit
commander to require the involuntary immunization of any individual in the presence of
an endemic or epidemic disease that is a threat to the effectiveness of the unit. The
immunizations are administered by the support medical facility or unit.
3-4.
DISEASE PREVENTION IN FIELD OPERATIONS
The primary objective of preventive medicine activities in field operations is the
prevention of disease. Although we are concerned with all diseases, there are three
major types of diseases of principal concern in the field environment-skin diseases,
arthropod-borne diseases, and food and water-borne diseases. The following
paragraphs will briefly highlight the critical areas in preventing these diseases.
3-5.
SKIN DISEASES
In the field, conditions are much more favorable for the development of skin
diseases than in garrison. This is particularly true in tropical and subtropical climates
where heat and moisture are prevalent, but it applies to all climatic conditions in one
way or another. The basic principle in maintaining healthy skin is to keep the skin clean
and dry--a task which may be difficult in the field. Regardless of the difficulty,
commanders must constantly emphasize to their men the importance of taking every
possible precaution against acquiring skin diseases which spread rapidly under field
conditions. Skin diseases fall primarily into the following categories:
a. Fungus Infections. Fungus infections are caused by the invasion of the skin
by fungi. The company aidman is trained to identify and treat minor fungus infections.
For severe or complicated cases, the patient must be seen by a medical officer or
physician's assistant. The most important aspect, however, is prevention. Fungi
require warmth and humidity; therefore, their prevention and control are based primarily
on cleanliness, frequent changes of clothing, and the use of antifungal foot powder--an
issue item.
b. Bacterial Infections. Bacterial infections, like fungus infections, thrive under
conditions of heat and high humidity. The natural flora of the skin contains many
bacteria, most of which are harmless. The two that cause the majority of skin infections
are Staphylococcus aureus and Beta hemolytic streptococcus. Bacterial infections
occur when pathogenic bacteria enter the skin through a cut, scratch, bite, burn,
abrasion, or other wound or when they work their way into a hair follicle. Early bacterial
infections frequently itch. The soldier scratches and bacteria under the fingernails
further spread the infection. The prevention of bacterial infections depends upon
eliminating or lessening the conditions favorable to bacterial growth. Washing with soap
and water removes many bacteria. Frequent changes to clean, dry clothing and socks
inhibit rapid bacterial growth. The friction effect from walking or working in damp
clothing can cause chafing, which subjects the soldier to further infection by bacteria or
fungi.
MD0008
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