Remedies For Trench Foot

Trench foot, also known as immersion foot, is a condition that develops on feet that have been wet for a prolonged period. It was first described during World War I when it affected soldiers who were fighting in cold and wet trenches and didn’t have the spare boots or socks that would have helped them keep their feet dry. Trench foot can affect part of or the whole foot. The most common symptoms include blotchy red skin and blisters. The skin will eventually die and slough off if trench foot isn’t treated. Other symptoms of trench foot include cold, tingling, constant itching, numbness, prickling sensation, heaviness, and pain when exposed to heat. Read about the best methods for treating and preventing trench foot now.

Clean Affected Area Immediately

During World War I, doctors used to wash soldier’s feet with opium and lead. They also recommended bed rest and keeping the feet elevated. Today, doctors have dispensed with the lead and opium foot washes, but they still clean the affected area immediately. Modern doctors also still recommend keeping the feet elevated to help circulation and prevent the development of blisters and other wounds.

While trench foot isn’t an infection, patients can easily develop an infection if they were standing in dirty or contaminated water. This is especially true if they also have blisters, cuts, or other injuries. Signs of infection include foul odor, bloody pus discharge, mild fever, and red or white streaks on their feet.

Individual's whose foot turns green, dark blue, or black, should get emergency care immediately. This discoloration indicates necrosis or tissue death, which can quickly lead to gangrene. If an individual develops gangrene, the doctor will likely have to amputate the foot and possibly part of the lower leg.

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Dry Feet Thoroughly

While trench foot can occur anywhere, even in the desert, it is most common in places where the temperature is between thirty to forty degrees Fahrenheit. Standing in wet shoes and socks exacerbates trench foot more than wearing water shoes while swimming.

Prolonged exposure to wet and cold cause the feet to gradually lose their nerve function and circulation. In trench foot, the blood vessels constrict to try to keep the rest of the body warm. As a result, the feet don’t get the oxygen and nutrients provided by blood. The loss of nerve function impairs the feet’s ability to pick up on warning signals like pain. It is thus imperative to dry the feet thoroughly and keep them warm after cleaning them.

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Apply Hot Compress To Affected Area

Of course, applying a hot compress is amazingly effective. More specifically, when applying a hot compress to the affected area, individuals should keep the compress on the foot for around five minutes. Individuals can also soak the affected foot in warm water for the same length of time. Gradually warming the foot will stop the progression of trench foot by causing the blood vessels to dilate and thus send needed oxygen and nutrients to the affected foot. Adding potassium permanganate solution to the foot bath will help draw fluid out of any swollen areas.

It can take less than twelve hours to develop trench foot if you’re standing in cold water—and it can develop even if the water is as warm as 60° F. If your job requires you to stand in water for long periods, take breaks every few hours to properly dry your feet.

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Don’t Wear Dirty Socks For Long

Individuals should not wear dirty socks for long, as they will increase their chances of developing an infection as well as trench foot. Change socks daily, or if they are really dirty, twice a day. Individuals who have cuts or other wounds on their feet should apply alcohol-based sanitizer or antibacterial cream before putting fresh socks on.

Wearing dirty socks, particularly if they are wet as well, not only increases the chances of developing trench foot, but also infection, mainly when open wounds are present. Thus, putting on fresh and dry socks often is crucial to preventing trench foot. Individuals must be sure, however, to clean and dry their feet before doing so.

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Take Off Socks When Possible

Individuals should take off their socks when possible, as tight socks can cut off circulation and exacerbate trench foot. Instead, individuals can cover their feet with a warm wool blanket while resting or in bed. They should also be careful not to cross their ankles, as doing this can also reduce circulation. In the home, individuals can wear some slippers to protect their feet from the cold, or again cover them with a blanket if they are sitting at their desk or lying on the couch watching television. Either way, individuals should take off their socks when they are in a position to do so, as this helps their feet breathe!