%0 Journal Article
%T A review of skin disease in military soldiers: challenges and potential solutions.
%A Singal A
%A Lipner SR
%J Ann Med
%V 55
%N 2
%D 2023
%M 37844200
%F 5.348
%R 10.1080/07853890.2023.2267425
%X 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.<BR>Military soldiers are a unique population exposed to crowded living conditions, reduced opportunity for personal hygiene, environmental contamination, strict grooming practices, and skin injury which may contribute to infectious and arthropod associated skin, hair, and nail diseases in soldiers.Treatment options for skin diseases that are commonly used in the general population may have implications for military duties that should be considered before treatment initiation in soldiers.