Trench foot is commonly known as something that affects soldiers during wartime. For example, those who fought in World War I and World War II had to deal with it. Unfortunately, anyone who spends time in the right conditions can end up with trench foot. It isn’t just limited to soldiers! Here’s what you need to know about this condition.
What Is Trench Foot?
Trench foot is also known as Immersion Foot Syndrome. It happens when you’re exposed to the either extremely cold or very hot conditions for days on end, especially when your feet remain damp. During WWI and WWII, trench foot affected soldiers who were literally in the trenches during the winter. Their feet became cold and damp, and it caused open sores to form. This is the origin of the term. However, there’s another form of it called Paddy Foot that soldiers during the Vietnam conflict had to deal with. That version was caused by humid conditions. When the soldier’s feet wound up getting swampy and sweaty, sores formed.
Anyone in the Right Conditions Can Get Trench Foot
As you can see, trench foot is something that’s caused by a combination of two factors – the weather and a lack of cleanliness. This means that anyone who’s outside for long periods of time in extreme weather where they can’t properly take care of themselves is prone to getting trench foot. Hunters, campers, backpackers, mountain climbers, and festival-goers are just a few examples. Really, anytime that the feet are left in boots for days on end in the right weather causes the bacteria or fungi to grow on them.
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Symptoms of Trench Foot
If you’re outside in those conditions, then you need to keep an eye out for the symptoms of trench foot. They include pain and swelling of the feet, tingling and numbness, itching, skin that’s cold and blotchy, and a prickly or heavy feeling in the feet. If you ignore any of those symptoms, then you could end up with open sores that can become infected, as well as a loss of blood flow. This can lead to tissue decay, and in the end, if the trench foot becomes bad enough, your foot may need to be amputated.
Treating Trench Foot
The second that you begin to think that you have trench foot, you need to start treatment. This means that you have to warm up (or cool down, depending on the weather), your feet. Make sure that they are very dry as well. If you have open sores, treat them with an antibacterial ointment, but don’t cover them. Instead, expose them to fresh air so that they can breathe and heal. If it seems as though numbness, infection, and tissue decay have begun to set in (the advanced symptoms of trench foot), then you should see a medical professional as soon as possible. However, if you dry your feet and expose them to air in the meantime, the condition shouldn’t get any worse. It’s all about caring for your feet properly should you end up with trench foot.
Preventing Trench Foot
Thankfully, trench foot can be prevented. Since a combination of damp and either hot or cold temperatures cause it, all that you need to do is ensure that your feet are kept warm and dry. You should change your socks daily, taking the time to wash (as best you can) and thoroughly dry your other pairs in between wears. Also, don’t wear socks when you’re not walking around (i.e. relaxing or sleeping) this will give your feet the chance to breathe. Of course, if you’re in extremely cold conditions, use your best judgment to prevent frostbite.
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