From Our Series on The Preppers of WWII & The Infections That Almost Killed Them
Another favored infection in the shelter dwellers of WWII involved a highly contagious fungus. The moist and humid conditions, fostered by infrequent changes of clothing and the general lack of hygiene, made its contraction a sure bet.
The medical world calls these infections “tinea”- but most of us know them as ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot. And while the itching alone can drive a church lady to drinking, it’s the breaks in skin caused by incessant scratching that poses the real threat. Breaks here act as convenient portals of entry for bacteria; which are found in greater numbers in times of lesser hygiene.
Cellulitis results when entry is gained by the bacteria. Once in, they start replicating and spreading superficially parallel to the skin. Avoiding this means treating the fungal infection early and avoiding scratching. Antifungal creams are best if available; but apple cider vinegar or vinegar and salt will work when they're not. Steroid creams like cortisone are to be avoided. They make the infection look as if it's receding, but once stopped, it comes back meaner and larger than before.
When cellulitis occurs, it's time to head for the antibiotics. Fish antibiotics will work if that's all you have. (Click here to see our chapter on scavenging antibiotics and how to use them.)
Cellulitis is potentially lethal. If your patient starts to exhibit this superficial spreading redness, outline the area so you can tell day-by-day if it is getting better or worse. Limit the persons activity, and keep the extremity elevated. Cellulitis took the lives of many WWII preppers; now it might not have to. Now we know the score. Now we know what to expect, what to watch for, and what to do!
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