Trench Foot
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What is immersion/trench foot?
- Trench Footor immersion foot is caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold temperatures. It can occur at temperatures as high as 60°F if the feet are constantly wet. Non-freezing injury occurs because wet feet lose heat 25-times faster than dry feet. To prevent heat loss, the body constricts the blood vessels to shut down circulation in the feet. The skin tissue begins to die because of a lack of oxygen and nutrients and due to the buildup of toxic products.
What are the symptoms of trench foot?
- Redness of the skin, swelling, numbness, blisters
What can be done for a person suffering from immersion foot?
- Call 911 immediately in an emergency; otherwise seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
- Remove the shoes, or boots, and wet socks.
- Dry the feet.