_
:
+
weuee
-!
“ss
ease
we ESae pte aie &,
EB ty a
*
anne tcns Boa ea” oad
te
.
'
In reviewing the case histories, physical examinations, and laboratory data that are available, there are seen certain differences between
the peoples of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the unfortunate fishermen.
These differences are, for the most part, one of degree; however, there
are new signs and symptoms which were present following the 1945 atom
bomb explosions.
Pigmentation - this was an uncommon complaint in 1945.
The cases
in the crewmen seen to have started within 24 hours to 6 days,
It was
limited seemingly to areas where dust and dirt could come in contact
with the skin,
These darkened portions desquamated, but information as
to time of completion of the peeling is not available.
It is assumed
that these lesions were due to beta burns, though some quarters have
stated radioactive coral might be the cause,
Ulcerations - these were located on areas where dirt and dust would
be held in close contact with the skin.
They are seen in the ears,
which were not washed well; on the hands, where cotton gloves were worn;
around the neck, where collars rubbed.
The hair, particularly, was prone
to catch and hold radioactive particles,
‘ashing of the hair did not
seem to help and the shaving of the head did not occur for several weeks
after returning to Japan.
Itching and vesiculation ~ these complaints were also lindted to
the same areas as the burns and ulcerations.
Purpura-like lesions = no petechiae or purpuric areas were seen by
the American group.
However, there were discrete raised purple lesions
on the abdomen, along the belt line (see photographs), ranging in size
from a few millimeters up to 2.5 cm.
These areas were amongst the first ~-
to descuamate and revealed normal pink epidermis! ‘
ean
Lf DCE ARCHIVES
Z
en re
ee ye