It is essential to take care of your body, no matter what conditions we may find ourselves in. It’s more difficult in remote areas where you can’t just pop into the shops for a soap bar. Simple things like blisters can pivot into a big issue if not correctly treated.
In this article, we’ll start at the head and work our way through the body to avoid or cure illnesses that can severely threaten health.
hair parasites
Head lice are blood-sucking insects about 3 mm long that lay their eggs in the hair. They hatch in a week, and their bites are very painful and unpleasant, causing sores you can scratch. These bites, in turn, can become infected.
Keep your hair covered and be especially careful if you come into contact with forest dwellers. You can use products to get rid of eggs and lice, but the best method is to use a fine-toothed comb after washing your hair.
Eye Care
The eyes are weak to dust and bright light and require special care in these conditions. Particular attention should be paid to eye care if you are in a desert area. Sand is the main enemy of the eyes. Tight-fitting goggles are essential to keep sand out of the eyes.
The reflex action attempts to rid the eye of any foreign body with vigorous movements of the upper eyelid and a stream of tears that try to wash away the particle. You can’t rub your eyes. Let nature do everything for you.
First, inspect the lower eyelid by gently pulling it down and removing the sand with a corner of a clean, damp handkerchief. Examine the upper eyelid in the same way.
The eyelid needs to be turned inside for a thorough examination, this may seem like a painful procedure, but it is not. Take the eyelashes between your thumb and forefinger and pull them up.
Sunglasses protect your eyes from the bright sunlight in hot countries and the glare of snow in the mountains.
A layer of fluid protects the eyes. Bright sunlight, snow glare, or welding will destroy this layer, leaving the eyes feeling like they are full of sand. This can be efficiently avoided by decreasing the amount of light reaching the eye.
If you lose your glasses, you can improvise by smearing soot or charcoal under your eye. Other helpful tips are to cover your eyes with a mosquito net or to cut narrow horizontal slits in the fabric.
Oral hygiene
Before you go on a long trip:
- Visit a dentist, especially if you are going to a cold climate or mountaineering.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and, if possible, after every meal.
- If toothpaste is unavailable, use dental floss or a toothpick made from wood.
Provisional fills can be made from pine resin. Collect the resin, mix with a small amount of cotton and fill the hole in the tooth with the mixture. This will cover the nerve, significantly reducing the pain.
Gums are a common cause of toothache. Lightly massaging them with salt will help keep them healthy.
Protect your ears
Ears are the perfect shape for insects. When removing insects from the ears, the worst thing is to push them deeper into the ear. Warm oil will help get rid of unwanted guests. Hold the affected ear down, allowing gravity to help rid the ear of fluid.
stay clean
It is important to preserve the skin clean. Bathing in pure water will do this. No soap or shampoo is needed, just a nice swim. Pay special attention to the armpits and perineum.
Take care of your feet. Keep them clean, wear quality boots and socks, and ensure they fit correctly. Blisters can be avoided by eliminating friction between the skin and stockings.
Human skin requires special care. Personal hygiene must always be observed, even in the most challenging situations. The areas most at risk are the perineum and underarms, areas of heat and dampness that are prime breeding grounds for bacteria and fungal infections.
Ringworm is a fungal disease that affects the outer layer of the skin, hair, and nails, causing them to become brittle. It is highly infectious and can quickly spread to other people.
Remember that lichen is spread directly from contaminated clothing, towels, and toilet seats and indirectly through wet floors’ feet.
We must keep the body in good condition and try to eat a balanced diet. The body needs food to provide warmth, energy, and tissue repair. Lack of food is more and more difficult to warm and restore strength after injuries and illnesses.
Staying hydrated is just as important because water is essential and helps with digestion, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of toxins from the body. You should drink water as often as possible.
Conclusion
Carrying your body is a vital survival task if you find yourself in an environment that lacks the modern infrastructure and amenities you are accustomed to using daily. Certain things cannot be ignored regarding personal hygiene, and there is always room for improvisation to keep yourself in good shape.
