injuries and poisoning
Nonfreezing Tissue Injuries
Immersion (trench) foot
Immersion foot (trench foot) is a cold injury that develops when a foot is kept in wet, cold socks and shoes or boots for several days. The foot is pale, clammy, swollen, numb, and cold. After warming, the foot becomes red and painful to the touch. Sometimes blisters develop, which may open and become infected. The skin may become overly sensitive to changes in temperature and to even the lightest touch, and this sensitivity may last for weeks. The foot may also become overly sweaty. Treatment consists primarily of the following measures: Gently warming, drying, and cleansing the foot Elevating the foot Keeping the foot dry and warm Some doctors give antibiotics to prevent infection. A Vaccination is given if the person’s tetanus vaccination is not current. Doctors sometimes give Rarely, this type of injury occurs in the hands. Immersion foot can often be prevented by wearing properly fitting shoes or boots, changing socks, and drying the feet at least daily. 