In an article published in Dermatology Times, dermatologists raised awareness for dermatologic care disparities among veterans and active military personnel in honor of Memorial Day on May 29. Dermatologists emphasized that veterans or active military personnel often face challenges in accessing dermatologic care because they may be unable to travel the long distances required to reach the nearest dermatology facilities. Some dermatologists have addressed these barriers to care by launching skin cancer screening events in more rural areas. For active military personnel, 10% of dermatologic diseases diagnosed in this population were made in deployed settings. The experts noted that because these diseases can impact performance, there may be a greater importance placed on proper diagnosis and treatment. However, active military personnel may be neglecting to take part in preventive measures. Among this population, melanoma is the second most prevalent type of cancer, likely as a result of overexposure to the sun during outdoor activities. Further, because active military personnel may wear uniforms that are made of one material and cannot be washed using fragrance-free products, often have to forgo essential hygiene practices, encounter high amounts of irritants, undergo high-stress situations, and experience consistent sleep deprivation, they may have higher rates of eczema flares. Many active military personnel may also have a higher risk of developing acne, fungal infections, contact dermatitis, pigmentary disorders, and benign skin tumors.
June 01, 2023