Trench foot, also called immersion foot, is the cutaneous lesion that is produced due to a prolonged exposure to humid cold (0 - 15ºC).
It usually affects the feet, which are pale, damp, cold, numb and with its sensitivity altered becoming "clumsy and with a walking difficulty". After removing them from the cold environment, and having been warmed-up, there is a period of swelling, redness and intense pain. There is hypersensitivity to pressure, as well as to changes in temperature. Blisters, ulcers, suppuration, and even gangrene may appear in severe cases. Chronic pain in response to the cold can be maintained and accompanied by an increase in sweating.
It can be prevented by wearing loose-fitting shoewear, keeping the shoes and feet dry, as well as changing socks frequently.
The treatment consists of washing the feet if they are dirty, soaking them in lukewarm water and drying them carefully (without rubbing, massaging or exposing them to intense heat).
- Adnot J, Lewis CW. Immersion foot syndrome. In: Medical Aspects of Harsh Environments, Pandolf KB, Burr RE (Eds), Borden Institute, Washington, DC 2001.
- Thomas JR, Oakley HN. Nonfreezing cold injury. In: Medical Aspects of Harsh Environments, Pandolf KB, Burr RE (Eds), Washington, DC 2001. p.467
- Francis TJ. Non freezing cold injury: a historical review. J R Nav Med Serv 1984; 70:134.
- Knight BW. "Trench foot" in civilians. Br Med J 1940; 1.
