War Surgery and Medicine
Skin Diseases of the Feet
Skin Diseases of the Feet
These were relatively common in the 2 NZEF and led to much of the real foot disability. The commonest disturbances were, in order of frequency: (1) hyperidrosis, (2) eczema, (3) pyogenic infection, (4) tinea. The prevention of the spread of tinea exercised the minds of medical officers in every theatre of war. The Americans had shallow troughs at the entrance to their shower or bath rooms filled with antiseptic solution. Provision was made for the frequent washing of the floors with antiseptics. The boots and socks of infected men were treated with formalin vapour in a closed container or otherwise sterilised. The infection was difficult to eradicate either in the individual or the group.