Environmental skin diseases and the impact of common dermatoses on medical readiness.
The environmental extremes in which soldiers exercise and fight, like the environmental extremes in which many civilians encounter occupationally and recreationally, can prove to be a significant cause for morbidity and decreased effectiveness. A variety of skin diseases are related to occupational exposure to dusts and ultraviolet radiation as a well known cause of cutaneous damage. As more is understood about the biochemical factors involved in frostbite injury, treatment recommendations have changed. Too much water, hot or cold, is a continued source of cutaneous misery to the soldier in the field. Finally, even common minor skin ailments can incapacitate the sufferer when confronted with unfavorable environments.
Meffert
J J
JJ
Department of Dermatology, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, USA.
D006801:Humans; D008889:Military Personnel; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States