Given the recent wet weather around site, it is increasingly important that we make sure we are keeping ourselves dry, especially our feet.
Trench Foot, or Immersion Foot Syndrome, is a condition that can occur when your feet are wet for a long period of time.
You can get Trench Foot in as little as 10 - 14 hours!!
Signs and Symptoms:
Early symptoms: Your foot may start tingling, itching, or you may have a pins-and-needles sensation in your feet
Moderate symptoms: Your foot may appear red or blue, and blisters or sores may develop. It may even look white!
Severe symptoms: Your skin will start to “break down” which means you will have cracks and open wounds that cause pain. This can lead to an infection if not treated quickly. In extreme cases, tissue death (gangrene) can occur!
Preventing Trench Foot:
You MUST wear clean dry socks EVERYDAY!
Avoid wearing socks while sleeping to assist with keeping your feet dry.
Check your feet TWICE A DAY to make sure your symptoms are not worsening OR
that you have not got any wounds on your feet that need attention.
If your shoes are wet and you have no other options but to wear the wet shoes, put
clean dry socks on, place your feet into plastic bags, then put your shoe on. The plastic
bag will act as a barrier against the water.
Please CHANGE YOUR SOCKS ASAP if you have been out all day in wet shoes and
socks. Even if you quickly change them to get to dinner.
Make sure to keep your feet and yourself, clean and dry so you can continue to be your best for your quest!
