Immersion foot, or trench foot, is a medical condition caused by prolonged exposure of the feet to damp, unsanitary and cold conditions below freezing point.

[edit] Characteristics

Affected feet become numb and then turn red or blue. As the condition worsens, they may swell. Advanced immersion foot often involves blisters and open sores, which lead to fungal infections; this is sometimes called jungle rot.

If left untreated, immersion foot usually results in gangrene, which can require amputation. If immersion foot is treated properly, complete recovery is normal, though it is marked by severe short-term pain when feeling is returning. Like other cold injuries, immersion foot leaves sufferers more susceptible to it in the future.

[edit] Causes

[edit] Prevention

Immersion foot is easily prevented by keeping the feet warm and dry, and changing socks frequently when the feet cannot be kept dry.

During World War I,^{[citation needed]} trench soldiers were provided with whale grease and told to apply it to their feet to reduce the prevalence of this condition; the idea was to make the feet waterproof. It was found, however, that this made the condition worse as it made the feet perspire and absorb even more water. It was also discovered that a key measure was regular foot inspections by officers.^[1]

[edit] History

Trench foot was first noted in Napoleon's army in 1812. It was on the retreat from Russia that it became prevalent, and was first described by Larrey.^[2]

It was a particular problem for soldiers in trench warfare during the winters of World War I^[3] and II and in the Vietnam War.

Trench foot made an unwelcome reappearance in the British Army during the Falklands War, in 1982. The causes were the cold, wet conditions and the DMS Boot, which was insufficiently waterproof.

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Chilblain
• Trench fever
• Trench mouth