How to Assess and Treat Immersion Foot

Immersion foot, also known as trench foot, occurs when the feet are subjected to cold and wet conditions for long periods of time. It can be quite painful, but easily prevented and treated with the following steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Hiking Boots
• Wicking Socks
• Wool Socks
• Advanced First Aid Certification
• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• First Aid Kits

1. Dry the feet and put on dry socks daily - preferably a pair of wicking socks to draw moisture away from the skin and a pair of wool socks over these to keep feet warm and insulated. This will require backpacking with at least three pairs of socks and taking aggressive measures to make sure damp socks are thoroughly dried before you put them back on.
2. Dry boots aggressively when they become immersed in water: keep them in the sun or near a heat source, watching carefully that they don't get burned.
3. Sleep without socks whenever possible to allow the feet to air out.
4. Look for any of the following signs and symptoms of immersion foot: cold and blotchy skin; numbness, tingling, prickling or a wooden feeling in the foot; red, dry, and painful foot after it becomes warm; a bounding pulse in the foot.
5. Change socks at least once daily, drying feet thoroughly before putting dry socks on.
6. Check the feet at least once daily for worsening of symptoms.
7. Keep feet warm and dry at all times, especially when sleeping. Instead of sleeping with socks on, wrap the feet loosely in an article of clothing at the bottom of your sleeping bag.

Tips & Warnings

• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.