Cleanliness is essential to prevent infection. Not only will good personal hygiene protect the survivor against disease germs that are present in the individual’s surroundings but will also protect the group by reducing the spread of the germs.
Areas most prone to small scratches and abrasions are the face, hands and feet. Keep these areas clean to reduce the chance of infection.
If no shower is available the body should be cleaned with a cloth and soapy water, paying particular attention to the body creases (armpits, groin, etc.), face, ears, hands and feet. After this type of bath the body should be rinsed thoroughly with clear water to remove all traces of soap which could cause irritation.
If you don’t have any soap available then field expedient substitutes can be used such as ashes, sand and loamy soils can be used to clean the body along with cooking utensils.
If water is in short supply the survivor can take an “air bath”. This is simply removing all your clothes and exposing your body to the air which allows the body to dry out of moisture which has been trapped on your body by your clothes or creases on your body. Exposure to sunshine is best but even on an overcast day or indoors, a 2 hour exposure of the naked body to the air will refresh the body. Take care to avoid sunburn if outdoors. Exposure in the shade, shelter, sleeping bag, etc. will help if the weather conditions do not permit direct exposure.
Hair should be kept trimmed. Preferably two inches or less in length and the face should be clean shaven. Keeping the hair short and the face clean shaven will provide less habitat for the growth of bacteria and parasites. Wash hair at least once a week with soap and water. Comb or brush hair daily and inspect it weekly for fleas, lice and or other parasites. Keep hair covered to avoid set up of parasites and fleas.
www.theoutdoorsurvival.com
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Hygiene of Skin and Hair While in the Bush
Cleanliness is essential to prevent infection. Not only will good personal hygiene protect the survivor against disease germs that are present in the individual’s surroundings but will also protect the group by reducing the spread of the germs.
Areas most prone to small scratches and abrasions are the face, hands and feet. Keep these areas clean to reduce the chance of infection.
If no shower is available the body should be cleaned with a cloth and soapy water, paying particular attention to the body creases (armpits, groin, etc.), face, ears, hands and feet. After this type of bath the body should be rinsed thoroughly with clear water to remove all traces of soap which could cause irritation.
If you don’t have any soap available then field expedient substitutes can be used such as ashes, sand and loamy soils can be used to clean the body along with cooking utensils.
If water is in short supply the survivor can take an “air bath”. This is simply removing all your clothes and exposing your body to the air which allows the body to dry out of moisture which has been trapped on your body by your clothes or creases on your body. Exposure to sunshine is best but even on an overcast day or indoors, a 2 hour exposure of the naked body to the air will refresh the body. Take care to avoid sunburn if outdoors. Exposure in the shade, shelter, sleeping bag, etc. will help if the weather conditions do not permit direct exposure.
Hair should be kept trimmed. Preferably two inches or less in length and the face should be clean shaven. Keeping the hair short and the face clean shaven will provide less habitat for the growth of bacteria and parasites. Wash hair at least once a week with soap and water. Comb or brush hair daily and inspect it weekly for fleas, lice and or other parasites. Keep hair covered to avoid set up of parasites and fleas.
www.theoutdoorsurvival.com
Areas most prone to small scratches and abrasions are the face, hands and feet. Keep these areas clean to reduce the chance of infection.
If no shower is available the body should be cleaned with a cloth and soapy water, paying particular attention to the body creases (armpits, groin, etc.), face, ears, hands and feet. After this type of bath the body should be rinsed thoroughly with clear water to remove all traces of soap which could cause irritation.
If you don’t have any soap available then field expedient substitutes can be used such as ashes, sand and loamy soils can be used to clean the body along with cooking utensils.
If water is in short supply the survivor can take an “air bath”. This is simply removing all your clothes and exposing your body to the air which allows the body to dry out of moisture which has been trapped on your body by your clothes or creases on your body. Exposure to sunshine is best but even on an overcast day or indoors, a 2 hour exposure of the naked body to the air will refresh the body. Take care to avoid sunburn if outdoors. Exposure in the shade, shelter, sleeping bag, etc. will help if the weather conditions do not permit direct exposure.
Hair should be kept trimmed. Preferably two inches or less in length and the face should be clean shaven. Keeping the hair short and the face clean shaven will provide less habitat for the growth of bacteria and parasites. Wash hair at least once a week with soap and water. Comb or brush hair daily and inspect it weekly for fleas, lice and or other parasites. Keep hair covered to avoid set up of parasites and fleas.
www.theoutdoorsurvival.com
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