Also known as IMMERSION FOOT. This is due to prolonged exposure of the feet to water – particularly cold water. Trench warfare is a common precipitating factor, and the condition was rampant during the First World War. Cases also occurred during the Second World War and during the Falklands campaign. (The less common form, due to warm-water immersion, occurred with some frequency in the Vietnam War.) It is characterised by painful swelling of the feet accompanied in due course by blistering and ulceration which, in severe, untreated cases, may progress to GANGRENE. In mild cases recovery may be complete in a month, but severe cases may drag on for a year.
Drying of the feet overnight, where practicable, is the best method of prevention, accompanied by avoiding constrictive clothing, tight boots and prolonged immobility. Frequent rest periods, daily changing of socks and application of silicone grease once a day also help. In the early stages, treatment is rest and warmth; in more severe cases treatment is as for infected tissues and ulceration. ANALGESICS are usually necessary to ease the pain.