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trench foot

trench foot (immersion foot) is a cold injury that occurs gradually over several days of exposure to cold, but not freezing, temperatures. the name comes from world war i troops who developed symptoms after standing in cold, wet trenches.

signs and symptoms of trench foot include:

  • red skin that turns pale and swollen.
  • numbness or burning pain.
  • leg cramps.
  • no actual freezing of the skin.
  • a slow or absent pulse in the foot.
  • development of blisters or ulcers after 2 to 7 days.

first aid for trench foot includes rewarming the affected areas, relieving pain, and preventing problems such as infection or dead skin (gangrene).

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