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Trench foot, caused by prolonged exposure to wet conditions, can lead to infection, loss of limbs, and death. It was prevalent in wars and disasters, and preventive measures such as keeping footwear dry are recommended. Changing socks frequently and seeking medical attention are also advised.
Dipping foot, also known as trench foot, is a dangerous medical syndrome. It is caused by prolonged exposure of the feet to wet conditions. Diving foot is often associated with war and other disasters because it caused millions of injuries and deaths in 19th and 20th century warfare. It can occur whenever the foot is exposed to water, including during sea voyages or excessive sweating. Preventive measures such as keeping your footwear dry are recommended because trench foot is a serious condition and recovery can also be painful.
Anyone can get dipping foot under the wrong conditions, but it was first recorded as a widespread syndrome during the Napoleonic Wars in Europe in the early 1800s. This may be because soldiers’ uniforms included boots of close-fitting leather that created an ideal environment for trench foot. Soldiers on the battlefield can go hours or days without changing their shoes, in extreme conditions like cold and humidity. Trench foot was a major health crisis during World War I, causing infection, loss of limbs, and death for soldiers on both sides of the conflict. It has been a factor in every major war of the 20th century, as well as desert conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Soaking foot occurs when the feet are exposed to moisture, especially wet socks or footwear, for long periods of time, although it could be as long as 11 hours. It is especially prevalent in cold conditions, when those affected may not notice a loss of sensation, an early warning sign. Other signs of loss of circulation may also be present, such as tingling, pain, and a bluish or red tinge to the skin. Blisters and swelling are also possible and need to be treated quickly to avoid infection. Extreme cases lead to gangrene, a tissue decay that can lead to death if the affected area or limb is not removed.
Trench foot got its name during trench warfare in World War I, where it affected 20,000 British soldiers in 1914 alone. Any humid environment can create the condition, cold or not. Soldiers in tropical areas such as Vietnam and the South Pacific have experienced it due to wet places, as have workers in flooded rice paddies. In desert places, it can be caused by excessive perspiration accumulating in the boot and wetting the sock. Shipboard workers are also at risk of submersion foot, as are survivors of floods and other disasters.
To prevent foot soaking, experts recommend changing socks frequently, keeping feet clean and dry, and bringing extra boots or footwear. During World War I, British soldiers were inspected daily by officers trained to recognize symptoms of trench foot. Suspected cases should be treated with warm water to restore circulation and the feet should be elevated to reduce swelling. A doctor should be consulted at the first opportunity. Recovering from trench foot is possible, but it can be a slow and painful process.
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