4-3.
GENERAL METHODS TO HELP PREVENT SKIN DISEASES
a. Keep Skin Clean. Bathing removes dirt, decreases the number of
microorganisms, and body odors.
(1)
Use soap and water when bathing; bathe no more than twice a day.
(2) Wash out helmet. If no shower facilities are available, use cold water to
wash helmet.
b. Keep Skin Dry. Keeping the skin dry in tropical regions helps decrease the
incidence of tropical skin diseases.
(1)
Remove wet socks and boots as frequently as possible.
(2)
Rinse mud off boots--mud prevents drying.
(3) Keep skin fold areas dry--underarms, groin, buttocks, and area between
toes; use talcum powder sparingly.
(4)
Don't starch battle dress uniform (BDU's).
(5)
Do not wear underwear if it aggravates an existing skin condition
NOTE:
The above preventive measures applie to all patients/soldiers.
4-4.
COMMON SKIN DISEASES
a. Eczema. This is the general name for a group of noncontagious,
inflammatory skin diseases that have a tendency toward erythema (redness), swelling
(edema), oozing, weeping, and crusting.
(1)
Signs and symptoms. Includes scaling, crusting, and fissuring.
(2) Treatment. Apply cold, wet compresses, anti-itching medications and air
dry the affected area.
b. Contact Dermatitis. An inflammation to the skin produced by substances in
contact with the skin--may be acute or chronic, and is often sharply defined. This may
be caused by plants (that is, poison ivy, oak, or sumac), chemicals, cosmetics, fabrics,
and household items (that is, detergents, waxes, polish).
(1) Signs and symptoms. Includes itching, redness, burning, blisters,
oozing, crusty areas, and secondary bacterial infections.
MD0550
4-8
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