Trench foot is a critical disorder on the feet that isn't common these days that is a result of the feet being kept wet for extended time periods. In times past, trench foot first obtained fame throughout the first World War when members of the military got the trench foot through fighting in cold, damp conditions in the trenches. It's been determined that over 75,000 British soldiers perished in that war because of the complications from this condition. Since that time, the need for soldiers battling in the trenches to maintain their feet as dry as possible to counteract the condition is well known. Trench foot may appear today in activities in which the feet are moist for prolonged time periods, for example trekking in wet environments for long periods of time.
The appearance of the foot with trench foot involves blisters, a blotchy and wrinkly look and feel with the skin along with a redness. The signs and symptoms include coldness, a heavy sensation, pins and needles, it can be painful if exposed to heat, chronic itching, along with a tingling feeling. Usually the entire feet are affected, but sometimes it can be just a part of the foot.
Trench foot is certainly the result of feet that become wet and remain damp and don't get dried off effectively. Even though cold temperatures can be a issue, it's the moisture that is critical. If the trench foot is not treated rapidly it can result in issues such as the requirement for an amputation, serious blisters, a painful gait, gangrene and ulcers, and also long-term neural injury. Trench foot is easy to identify according to the look of the feet as well as the history of moisture.
As medical experts have discovered a little more about the character of trench foot treatments has got better. During the world war, trench foot was first helped by bed rest and foot washes produced from lead as well as opium. As the signs got better, rubs and plant-based natural oils have been used. When the signs and symptoms of trench foot didn't get better then amputation was from time to time important to avoid contamination and blood flow problems from spreading to other regions of the body.
The early and gentle symptoms of trench foot can easily be self-treated by getting rid of the socks and dry and clean the feet adequately; using warmth packs to the feet will help promote the blood circulation; and do not wear socks to sleep. The foot should be observed meticulously for the development of any additional complications. If this solution does not recover swiftly or if the symptoms are more serious, then a trip to a health professional is needed. Additional rest and elevation is usually encouraged. The quality of the circulation has to be looked at and when it is not sufficient then actions need to be applied to handle that. Medication may also be necessary to help with pain if that is a problem. When found earlier, trench foot is readily treatable without causing any more problems. Prevention of trench foot is crucial, and soldiers are well educated in that. Your feet must be kept dry and having an extra set of socks handy is an effective solution.