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).
