Dermatological conditions in military conscripts

The Characteristics of Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Military and Civilian Populations: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Contact dermatitis is a common condition in the general population, with a global prevalence of 20%. It is an inflammatory skin disease that is classified as irritant contact dermatitis (80%) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) (20%). In addition, it is the most common presentation of occupational dermatoses and is one of the primary reasons for seeking medical attention among military personnel. Only few studies have compared the characteristics of contact dermatitis in soldiers and civilians. Objective: To compare the characteristics of ACD between civilians and soldiers. Methods: This large retrospective study was conducted in Israel and involved 1800 civilians and 750 soldiers with suspected ACD. All patients underwent relevant patch tests based on their clinical presentation and medical history. Results: At least 1 positive allergic reaction was found in 382 civilians (21.22%) and 208 soldiers (27.73%) (nonsignificant). Moreover, 69 civilians (18.06%) and 61 soldiers (29.32%) had at least 1 positive occupational allergic reaction (P < 0.05). Widespread dermatitis was significantly more common among soldiers. The most frequent occupations among civilians with positive allergic reactions were hairdressers/beauticians. "Professional, technical, and managerial occupations" were the most frequent categories among soldiers (24.6%), with computing professionals being the most common occupation (46.67%). Conclusion: Military personnel and civilians have different characteristics associated with ACD. Therefore, considering these characteristics before placement in a workplace can help prevent ACD.

A review of skin disease in military soldiers: challenges and potential solutions

Introduction: Military soldiers comprised 1,195 million United States active-duty members and 778,000 reserve members in 9/2021. Soldiers are often exposed to drastic climates, environments, and living conditions which may make them more susceptible to cutaneous diseases.Methods: A PubMed search of studies published between 1/1/2002 - 8/30/2022, using MeSH terms: ((("Military Personnel"[Majr]) OR "Military Hygiene"[Majr])) OR "Military Medicine"[Majr]) AND "Skin Diseases"[Majr]), the reference lists of select articles, and other applicable sources were reviewed to identify articles on skin conditions affecting military soldiers and treatment options.Discussion: In this article, we review skin conditions that affect military soldiers in both the deployed and non-deployed settings including infectious diseases, arthropod associated diseases, sexually transmitted infections, ultraviolet radiation related skin disease, acne, diseases of hair and hair follicles, dermatitis, onychocryptosis, and conditions caused by extreme weather conditions and occupational exposures. We also discuss treatment options and prevention methods as they relate to military settings.Conclusion: Dermatological conditions can considerably impact soldiers' wellbeing and military performance, often lead to evacuation of military personnel, and are associated with high financial costs. Cutaneous disease is one of most common reasons for soldiers to seek medical care and may cause significant morbidity. Serving in the military often impacts and limits treatment options.

Recognition and development of customized cosmetics for military trainees in 20s and 30s in Republic of Korea

BACKGROUND

For the health of the skin, social standards have been changed to increase the public's interest in achieving perfect skin. With the diversification of consumer needs, the reorganized core market for demand pursues the attributes of customization that bring the individual ego and product image to match through aggressive consumer needs.

OBJECTIVES

Therefore, in this study, we conducted a questionnaire to 450 men in their 20s and 30s, Chuncheon City, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea, focused on the fact that customized cosmetics drive individuals and optimization.

METHODS

Statistical processing of materials collected by the data analysis method is analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) WIN25.0 statistical package program through the process of data coding and data cleaning.

RESULTS

As a result, "I think I need customized cosmetics for me." 3.91 (SD = 1.19), and it seems that the number of custom cosmetics used will increase in the future. "3.99 (SD = 1.06) It was the highest in terms of points. Also, I would like to use PX's men's custom cosmetics when they are released." The average was 4.34 (SD = 0.91), which was the highest. Comprehensive research results of P <0 .001 and above suggested the possibility of developing customized cosmetics for men.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, this requires continuous research on personalized bespoke cosmetics according to work and usage characteristics, and PX custom products for future soldiers should be developed. In the future, the researcher plans to continue to study the recognition and development potential of customized cosmetics for female military personnel in South Korea in subsequent research.

Shellfish/crustacean oral allergy syndrome among national service pre-enlistees in Singapore

Background

All Singaporean males undergo medical screening prior to compulsory military service. A history of possible food allergy may require referral to a specialist Allergy clinic to ensure that special dietary needs can be taken into account during field training and deployment.

Objective

To study the pattern of food allergy among pre-enlistees who were referred to a specialist allergy clinic to work up suspected food allergy.

Methods

Retrospective study of all pre-enlistees registered in the Clinical Immunology/Allergy New Case Registry referred to the Allergy Clinic from 1 August 2015 to 31 May 2016 for suspected food allergy.

Results

One hundred twenty pre-enlistees reporting food allergy symptoms other than rash alone were referred to the Allergy Clinic during the study period. Of these, 77 (64.2%) had food allergy. Among those with food allergy, mean age was 19.1 ± 1.5 years. They comprised predominantly Chinese (66.2%) and Malays (20.8%). The most commonly reported foods were shellfish/crustaceans (78%), peanut (15.6%), and egg (6.5%). Self-limiting oral allergy syndrome, OAS (itchy lips and throat with/without lip angioedema) was the most common manifestation (n = 33, 42.9%) followed by anaphylaxis (n = 23, 29.9%). Majority of OAS was from shellfish/crustacean (90.6%); of which shrimp (30.3%), crab (15.2%), and lobster (3.0%) were the most common. Mild childhood asthma (69.7%), allergic rhinitis (6.3%), and eczema (6.1%) were the most common atopic conditions among individuals with shellfish/crustacean OAS. This pattern was similar for shellfish/crustacean anaphylaxis. Skin prick tests were most commonly positive for shrimp (OAS 87.1% vs. anaphylaxis 100%), crab (OAS 95.8% vs. 90.9%), and lobster (OAS 91.7% vs. 63.6%).

Conclusion

OAS to shellfish/crustaceans was more common than anaphylaxis among this study population of young males referred for food allergy symptoms other than rash alone.

Career Advice for Young Allergy Patients

BACKGROUND

One-third of all young persons entering the work force have a history of atopic disease. Occupationally induced allergy and asthma generally arise in the first few months on the job, while pre-existing symptoms tend to worsen. Young persons with a history of an atopic disease should receive evidence-based advice before choosing a career.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed for cohort studies investigating the new onset of asthma, rhinitis, or hand eczema among job trainees from before the start of training and onward into the first few years on the job. The search revealed 514 articles; we read their abstracts and selected 85 full-text articles for further analysis. 24 of these met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

According to present evidence, atopy and a history of allergic disease (allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis) are the main risk factors for occupationally induced disease. The predictive value of a personal history of allergic diseases for the later development of an occupationally induced disease varies from 9% to 64% in the studies we analyzed. It follows that only young people with severe asthma or severe atopic eczema should be advised against choosing a job that is associated with a high risk of allergy, e.g., hairdressing or working with laboratory animals. Young people with a history of other atopic diseases should be counseled about their individual risk profile.

CONCLUSION

In view of the relatively poor predictive value of pre-existing atopic disease, secondary prevention is particularly important. This includes frequent medical follow-up of the course of symptoms over the first few years on the job. If sensitization or allergic symptoms arise, it should be carefully considered whether exposure reduction will enable the apprentice to stay on the job.

Prevalence of skin diseases in civilian and military population in a Turkish military hospital in the central Black Sea region

OBJECTIVES

There are no epidemiological studies comparing the prevalence of skin diseases between civilian and military populations. We sought to determine and compare the prevalence of skin conditions between civilian and military populations.

METHODS

A total of 3382 male patients (1148 military and 2234 civilian) were retrospectively and consecutively evaluated at Merzifon Military Hospital in the central Black Sea Region of Turkey.

RESULTS

The most frequent dermatological condition was tinea pedis (15.8%) followed by acne vulgaris, allergic contact dermatitis and alopecia areata in the military population (15.7%, 7.7% and 5.4%, respectively). Acne vulgaris, xerosis cutis and allergic contact dermatitis were the most common diagnoses in the civilian group (19.4%, 14.1% and 9.1%, respectively). The prevalence of tinea pedis, alopecia areata, pityriasis versicolor, ingrown nail (unguis incarnatus) and callus were statistically significantly higher in the military group (15.8% vs 4.4%, p<0.001; 5.4% vs 1.7%, p<0.05; 3.5% vs 0.7%, p<0.001; 3.3% vs 0.3%, p<0.001 and 4.6% vs 0.9%, p<0.001; respectively). Xerosis cutis was found to be significantly higher in the civilian group (14.1% vs 5.8%, p<0.001). Superficial fungal disease was the most prevalent disorder as in the previous literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Preventive measures should be taken to improve the health of troops and reduce the prevalence of the common disorders such as tinea pedis, alopecia areata and callus. Troops should wear boots only when necessary in base camps. Clothing which reduces ventilation is not recommended. Depression and anxiety should be recognised and treated in soldiers with alopecia areata, as a solely dermatological approach without psychological support may reduce treatment success.