Trench foot, also called immersion foot and Non Freezing Cold Injury (NFCI), is a condition in which prolonged exposure to wet, cold and/or unsanitary conditions leads to the feet being infected, swollen and either red or pale. The term stems from World War I, when the soldiers experienced the condition while wearing tight boots in the trenches. Trench foot exists today, mostly within the homeless population.
Trench foot can affect any part of the foot, including the toes, heel and sole.
The most common signs of trench foot include numbness, pain, wrinkling of the skin, and discoloration of the feet ranging from pale to red (erythema) to blue (cyanosis). A foul odor may arise as the tissue begins to decay, and swelling may set in.
As trench foot progresses to a severe state, the feet may begin to develop blisters, open sores and fungal infections. This stage is sometimes called jungle rot or tropical ulcer. If left untreated, it can lead to gangrene and amputation.
Though the exact cause of trench foot is unknown, the disease typically arises when the feet are kept in damp, cold, unsanitary conditions for prolonged periods of time. Plantar hyperhidrosis (extreme foot sweat) can also cause trench foot.
Many people confuse trench foot for frostbite, but contrary to popular belief, trench foot can arise without freezing temperatures. In fact, some cases have been reported in weather as warm as 60 degree Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius), and it can affect people who are strictly indoors.
Trench foot can arise in as little as one day in damp, cold or unsanitary conditions. While it first affected soldiers in Napoleon’s Army and soldiers involved in trench warfare during World War I and II, today it mostly affects the homeless populations, hikers, sports enthusiasts, campers and festival goers.
Trench foot usually takes about three to six months of recovery time. Prompt treatment is necessary, because neglected trench foot can quickly lead to gangrene and eventual amputation of the feet.
Treatment of trench foot usually includes a thorough washing and drying of the feet to get rid of any bacteria or fungus present as well as soaking the feet in warm water or using heat packs to gently rewarm them. A potassium permanganate footbath may be used, as it can help draw excess fluid out of the affected skin.
As the feet return to normal condition, the patient may experience pain, a tingly feeling, excessive sweating and cold sensitivity. These symptoms may be temporary, or they might last for several months.
Trench foot is simple to prevent with just a few measures, including: