IN-FIELD TRAINING AND EDUCATION FOR PARAMEDICS IN HUMANITARIAN SITUATION (CASE of VELIKA KLADUŠA, B&H), Part Three

This type of skin condition (the so-called "military foot") is often seen in persons who spend a lot of time in the same socks and shoes (usually sneakers or boots). As a result of moisture, the skin begins to wrinkle and take mycotic deposits (fungi) on it. The help in these cases should follow the opposite direction to the vector of action: the wet conditions should be replaced with dry, that is the basic measure (i,e. dry, clean socks and shoe change) and the mycotic changes should be treated with anti-mycotic, most commonly by the cream or gel Canesten. In such cases iodine tincture (Betadine, Povidone iodine, etc.) is not a method of choice except in the prevention of secondary infections, and they occur if skin lesions are observed in the skin (open wounds). These wounds can be treated with iodine as well as any other skin lesions, however, in the case of wrinkled skin, Canesten treatment (or some other anti-mycotics) is sufficient. Canesten lubrication should be repeated several times during the following days to monitor the development of skin changes and at the same time control the conditions of the foot (clean and dry clothing and footwear).
Fungal changes can also be seen on other parts of the skin in poor hygienic conditions (breast, armpit, pubic region, vaginal changes ...) wherever the ambient is closed, not-winded, and moist without adequate hygiene and replacement of socks and laundry. For vaginal mycososes, there are Canesten vaginal tablets and cream.

Dimitar Anakie dr. med