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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