How to Maintain Proper Hygiene in the Arctic

If you're ever in a survival situation--a plane crash or shipwreck, or separated from a climbing or trekking party--and find yourself stuck in the middle of the Arctic, it's best to be prepared. Hygiene is important in the Arctic--not to attract a mate necessarily, but to avoid discomfort, sickness and possibly even death. Here's how to maintain proper hygiene in the Arctic.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Snow
• Insecticide powder

1. Wash yourself. If a water source is available, this can be accomplished by splashing your face, underarms, feet and the area between your legs with water and wiping it around. Yes, this will be cold, so try to get it all done in less than a minute or so. As discomforting as the chill may be, it will be less of a discomfort than the skin rash that will probably develop if you don't wash. Wipe yourself dry (very important).
2. Use snow if no water is available. Take a handful of the cold white stuff and scrape it over the areas of your body mentioned above--armpits, hands, feet, face, front and backside. Even though you only used snow, it is still imperative that you take the time to wipe yourself dry with something.
3. In addition to your bath, take time once or twice each day to gently wipe yourself dry in these same areas, as these are the places on your body where moisture and sweat tend to accumulate.
4. Change your underwear at least twice times a week. This may be an odd one--who doesn't know to change their underwear, after all--but in a freezing environment it often seems unnecessary, not to mention uncomfortable. Do it anyway.
5. If you find yourself in a shelter that has been used before, check your body and clothes each night for lice. If you find any, use insecticide powder to get rid of the lice (if the power is available; otherwise, see Step 6).
6. Hang your clothes up outside in the cold when you aren't wearing them. Before putting them on, beat them with a stick. This will get rid of any lice that may have been living on them.

Tips & Warnings

• It can't be overstressed that in a freezing environment, these hygiene-related items can seem extremely unnecessary--but they are very much needed for your well-being.
• Don't assume you are tougher than everyone else and can therefore take a 10-minute freezing bath. This could spell your doom. Keep it to an efficient minute.