The relationship between health and people experiencing homelessness is complex. Pre-existing ailments can arise or become aggravated by the experience of homelessness. Inversely, expenses tied to health problems can lead to poverty or homelessness. This convoluted relationship presents itself through these common health issues of people who are homeless.
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Chronic Pain
People experiencing homelessness are prone to disorders like arthritis that affect tendons, joints, and ligaments. Chronic pain is often left untreated in people who are homeless due to inability to afford or find adequate medical care.
Skin and Foot Conditions
It is common for people experiencing homelessness to undergo issues with their skin or feet. Clothes and shoes are typically overworn due to lack of resources for new clothing.
Overuse of dirty clothing can contribute to a vast number of skin problems, like cellulitis, impetigo, and body lice. Inadequate footwear is a dominant cause of fungal infections in between toes or under nails. Inaccessibility to bathing facilities only exacerbates these issues.
There are hygienic items that you should donate that help to curb these health conditions. Shelters constantly have a high demand for things like clean socks and underwear. Access to hygienic products is the first step toward diminishing skin or foot problems.
Nutritional Defects
Lacking nutrition contributes to various chronic illnesses over time. Fatigue and a weak immune system are among the short-term faults of inaccessibility to nutritious meals on a regular basis.
Infectious Diseases
The risk of infectious diseases like hepatitis, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS is higher amongst people who are homeless. Poor nutrition and less frequent hygiene lead to a compromised immune system. Insufficient immune systems make folks highly susceptible to transferrable diseases and their effects.
Dental Issues
Oral health problems are common health issues of people who are homeless for prolonged periods of time. Reliable sources of clean water are not always guaranteed to folks experiencing homelessness. This can result in fewer opportunities to practice good dental hygiene, and an eventual decline in dental health. Tooth decay and gum disease are among common oral health problems that people who are homeless fall victim to.
