Dress—Clothing is appropriate to the climate, looks clean and fits the body,
and is appropriate to the person’s culture and age group; for example, normally,
Amish women wear clothing from the nineteenth century, Indian women may
‘wear saris. Culturally determined dress should not be labeled as bizarre by West-
ern standards,
Personal hygiene—The person appears clean and groomed appropriately for
his or her age, occupation, and socioeconomic group. (Note that a wide vari
tion of dress and hygiene is “normal.” Many cultures do not include use of de-
odorant or women shaving legs.)
Hair is groomed, brushed. Women’s make-up is appropriate for age and
culture.
Trousers too large and held up by b
Suggest weight loss, as does the additc
of new holes in belt. If the belt is move
to a looser fit, it may indicate obesity
ascites.
Consistent wear of certain clothing mz
Provide clues: long sleeves may conce
Reedle marks of drug abuse; broa
brimmed hats may reveal sun intole
ance; Velcro fasteners instead of buttor
may indicate chronic motor dysfunction
In a previously carefully groomer
Woman, unkempt hair and absent make
up may indicate malaise or illness.