Page 173 - LECTURE NOTES

Leishmaniasis, Scabies and Onchocericiasis, which affect the skin so distinctively; the

whole range of ulcers of the skin; and the serious effects on the skin of protein
malnutrition. Therefore this particular chapter concentrates on the general preventive

and control methods of skin infections that are important to be implemented by the
health extension package workers.

7.12.1. Prevention and control of Bacterial skin diseases
Personal hygiene is the most effective methods for prevention and control of bacterial

infections. The following points illustrate the possible preventive methods for bacterial
skin infections:

ª Washing of hands with warm water and soap before touching broken skin.

ª Washing the body with warm water and soap preferably everyday to remove dust
and dirt.

ª Wearing the right size and type of clothes to suit local weather conditions.
ª After washing clothes, if possible, iron it before wearing

ª Regular exposure of the skin to air and sunlight is beneficial.
ª It is also important to clear the bacteria colonizing the nostrils and under the

fingernails with either antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly several times daily for

one week of each month.

7.12.2. Personal Hygiene

Many health problems are due to poor hygiene behavior. The benefits of safe water
supply and sanitation efforts in a given community can easily be lost if the communities

still carry on with the poor personal hygiene behavior. Health related programs,

therefore, should consider carefully the changes in hygiene practices needed to
complement improved water and sanitation facilities. To achieve these goals, hygiene

education plays a central role and has to be applied on sustainable way. For detailed
explanation on personal hygiene the reader is advised to refer the lecture notes on

personal hygiene prepared by the carter centre for Ethiopian Health centre team.

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