["Epidemic" of plantar dermatitis during military maneuvers in the rain forest of Guyana]. / Dermite plantaire "épidémique" durant une mission profonde en Guyane.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this report is to describe an "epidemic" outbreak of plantar dermatitis that occurred in 30 soldiers on mission in the rain forest of Guyana. The contingent was forced to stop twice and operational readiness was seriously reduced. The first episode affecting 43% (13/30) of the contingent occurred after 4 days of march. In the second episode 70% (21/30) of the contingent was affected. Manifestations were characterized by the appearance of distinct, dry, nonpruriginus, erythematous papules followed a few hours later by quasi-exfoliating, noncoalescing, nonoozing, nonmalodorous lesions measuring several centimeters in diameter. Symptoms regressed quickly within 48 to 72 hours with only symptomatic treatment. A combination of microtrauma and maceration is the most likely mechanism. However identification of an offending microbial, viral or fungal agent or of a cause in the environment, clothing or products could not be made. A tempting hypothesis involves an inflammatory reaction caused by an organism in ground water or the soil. A prospective study could be undertaken at the Rain Forest Training Camp in Regina where similar clinical manifestation have been observed.