This article was co-authored by Neal Blitz, DPM, FACFAS and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Dr. Neal Blitz is a Podiatrist and Foot & Ankle Surgeon who runs private practices in New York City and in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Blitz is “The Bunion King®” and is the creator of the Bunionplasty® Procedure (plastic surgery for bunions) which has revolutionized bunion surgery. He has over 17 years of podiatric experience and specializes in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Blitz received his DPM from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, then completed a residency focused on Elective & Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery at the Swedish Medical Center, and was awarded an AO Trauma fellowship in Dresden, Germany, focused on trauma and reconstructive techniques. He is board certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot & Ankle Surgery and is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS).
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Trench foot, also called immersion foot, develops when your feet are exposed to cold, unsanitary water for long periods of time—many hours or days in a row. Trench foot still occurs in modern war zones, disaster areas, and outdoor events mired by rain or flooding. Fortunately, treating and preventing the condition is straightforward, and mild cases can even be dealt with at home. Keep reading this article to learn more about trench foot and when it’s time to seek medical care.
Things You Should Know
- Trench foot (immersion foot) happens when your feet are cold and wet for too long. It’s usually caused by wearing wet sock or shoes for several days.
- Alternatively, trench foot can be caused by prolonged exposure to damp, cold, and unsanitary conditions.
- To treat trench foot, wash and dry your feet, then keep them warm and clean. Prevent trench foot by wearing moisture-wicking socks and footwear that fits properly.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow serious is a foot infection?Neal Blitz, DPM, FACFASDr. Neal Blitz is a Podiatrist and Foot & Ankle Surgeon who runs private practices in New York City and in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Blitz is “The Bunion King®” and is the creator of the Bunionplasty® Procedure (plastic surgery for bunions) which has revolutionized bunion surgery. He has over 17 years of podiatric experience and specializes in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Blitz received his DPM from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, then completed a residency focused on Elective & Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery at the Swedish Medical Center, and was awarded an AO Trauma fellowship in Dresden, Germany, focused on trauma and reconstructive techniques. He is board certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot & Ankle Surgery and is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS).
Board Certified PodiatristFoot infections are very serious. If you suspect you have a foot infection, visit your healthcare provider right away. -
QuestionHow can I prevent trench foot?Neal Blitz, DPM, FACFASDr. Neal Blitz is a Podiatrist and Foot & Ankle Surgeon who runs private practices in New York City and in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Blitz is “The Bunion King®” and is the creator of the Bunionplasty® Procedure (plastic surgery for bunions) which has revolutionized bunion surgery. He has over 17 years of podiatric experience and specializes in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Blitz received his DPM from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, then completed a residency focused on Elective & Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery at the Swedish Medical Center, and was awarded an AO Trauma fellowship in Dresden, Germany, focused on trauma and reconstructive techniques. He is board certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot & Ankle Surgery and is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS).
Board Certified PodiatristKeep your feet dry as much as possible. Don't walk around in the rain or wear wet socks for days on end. If you do develop trench foot, seek care immediately so you can dry out your feet and prevent or treat any infection.
Tips
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Because nicotine from cigarettes (tobacco) impairs blood flow, avoiding smoking while recovering from trench foot will help.[18]Thanks
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Trench foot is most commonly seen in builders, security guards, disaster aid workers, hikers, campers, extreme-sports hobbyists, and outdoor music festival goers.Thanks
Warnings
- Trench foot is dangerous, and severe trench foot can even lead to amputation. If your symptoms are severe or get worse, seek medical attention right away.[19]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-892223
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/blisters
- ↑ Neal Blitz, DPM, FACFAS. Board Certified Podiatrist. Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4923033/
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=stt11414&
- ↑ https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/finding-the-best-joint-pain-relief
- ↑ Neal Blitz, DPM, FACFAS. Board Certified Podiatrist. Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.
- ↑ Neal Blitz, DPM, FACFAS. Board Certified Podiatrist. Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/peripheral-artery-disease
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/psa-toolkit/preventing-trench-foot-or-immersion-foot.html
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/treat-your-feet-right
- ↑ https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/choosing-right-shoes-comfort
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/petroleum-jelly
- ↑ https://nhchc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/CaseReportTrenchFoot062707-1.pdf
- ↑ https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-HE20-PURL-LPS74672/pdf/GOVPUB-HE20-PURL-LPS74672.pdf
- ↑ https://beef.unl.edu/beefwatch/2024/staying-safe-cold-weather-and-how-recognize-treat-and-prevent-hypothermia-frostbite
- ↑ https://www.nols.edu/media/filer_public/9f/85/9f855976-84ff-45d0-8866-22a3df8eeb25/nfci_for_wmi_webpage.pdf
- ↑ https://nhchc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/CaseReportTrenchFoot062707.pdf
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368792525_Trench_foot_and_other_non-freezing_cold_injuries_literature_review
About This Article
To treat trench foot, seek medical attention as soon as you notice symptoms, like itchy feet, swelling, or cold blotchy skin. If it's determined that you have a mild case of trench foot, you can treat it at home by cleaning and drying your feet as often as you can, including replacing socks and other footwear that gets wet. Try taking a warm foot bath if your feet are cold, but avoid using hot water since this can worsen your condition. When you go to bed, keep socks off so its easier for the blood to circulate around your feet. If swelling or pain persists, consider taking an over-the-counter medication, like ibuprofen, to combat the symptoms. Return to the doctor straight away if you see signs of infection, like redness or swelling. For tips on how to tell if your trench foot has caused tissue death, which is a medical emergency, read on!
Reader Success Stories
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"I almost got trench foot on a winter boy scout camping trip and read this article to help me find the right boots. After I read this article, I went to a cabelas near where I live and got a pair of cold weather water proof hunting boots. Thanks so much."..." more