신형 전투화에서 발생하는 소와 각질융해증의 유병율 연구 = A study on the prevalence of pitted keratolysis after supplement of new combat boots

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Objectives; New combat boots with higher water penetration have been supplied to Korean army since 2011. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of pitted keratolysis in Korean soldiers wearing the new model of combat boots and to compare it with the prevalence of 1986.
Methods; A total of 1101 soldiers were examined. The diagnosis of pitted keratolysis was performed clinically by two military doctors including a dermatologist. Characteristics of the lesions including distribution, depth, presence of pruritus or malodor were further investigated in the diagnosed patients. Another 229 soldiers newly entering a recruit training center were also examined at the time of enlistment and after 4 weeks of military training.
Results; 34 of 1101 examined (3.1%) were diagnosed as pitted keratolysis, which was largely decreased by more than 90% when compared to the study performed in 1986 (37.8%). Pitted keratolysis presented as small numerous pits in 79.4% and as erosions in 20.6%. Superficial lesions with 1-2mm in depth were demonstrated in 91.2% of the subjects. The pressure-bearing plantar areas were most commonly involved (67.6%), followed by interdigital web spaces (55.9%) and non pressure-bearing areas (5.9%). Pruritus and malodor were complained in 32.4% and 73.5% of the patients, respectively. Pitted keratolysis was recognized in 0.9% of recruit soldiers when entering the training center, and 2.7% after 4 weeks of military training,
Conclusions; New combat boots with higher water penetration significantly lowered the prevalence of pitted keratolysis from 37.8% in 1986 to 3.1% in 2015.