What is trench foot?
Trench foot, also known as immersion foot, is when the feet have been wet for a long time. This condition can be very painful, but there are prevention and treatment methods.
What are the symptoms?
Trench symptoms include tingling and itching, pain, swelling, cold skin and blotching, numbness or heaviness. Redness, dryness and pain may appear after warming. Blister formation, the skin and tissue peeling off are additional symptoms. In serious cases, unattended feet may affect the toes, heels or the entire foot.
Trench foot prevention and treatment
If possible, elevate the feet and allow them to air dry, remove wet shoes and socks. Change into dry socks and shoes to prevent trench foot apparition.
Trench foot treatment is similar to frost bite. Take the following cautions:
• Wash and dry your feet.
• Wear clean and dry socks every day.
• Treat the affected area by soaking in warm water (between 102° and 110° F / 38.8° and 43.3° C) or applying warm packs during approximately 5 minutes.
• Do not wear socks when sleeping or resting.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If your feet are wounded, they might be more prone to infection. Examine your feet at least once a day to detect any infection or symptom worsening.
Returning home after a hurricane: Keep healthy and safe
No serious infection outbreaks have been reported in the area, however, you must act cautiously to prevent illness and injury.
• Do not enter a building or house if you perceive a gas odor. Call 911. Do not light matches or turn the lights on.
• Wear water resistant gloves and boots to prevent flood water contact with your skin.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often. You can also use an alcohol based gel to clean your hands.
• To prevent tetanus or any other infection, seek medical attention if you have a dirty or deep wound.
Clean the house and remove mold
• Dispose of articles that have been soaked and are not able to be washed or dry.
• Repair water leaks. Use fans and air filters and open doors and windows to remove humidity.
• To remove mold, mix a cup of chlorine in 1 gallon of water. Use this solution to wash any moldy item. Scrub rugged surfaces with a hard brush and dry the item or allow it to dry in open air.
• Inspect and clean heating, ventilation and air conditioning devices before using them.
• For non-absorbent hard solid surfaces that might have been in contact with flood water, clean them with soap and water first. Disinfect with a mix of 1 cup of chlorine and 5 gallons of water. Allow to air dry.
• Wear rubber boots and gloves and protection goggles when cleaning with chlorine. Open doors and windows to allow fresh air to enter the room. Never mix chlorine with ammonia. Fumes from said mix may cause death.
Protect yourself against carbon monoxide intoxication
Do not use generators, pressure washing machines, coal grills, camping kitchens or any other fueled device indoors, enclosed or partially enclosed spaces such as garages, not even with the doors and windows open. Do not place these devices near a door or open widow or an open air vent when using them outdoors. You might be exposed to intoxication or death by carbon monoxide, a colorless gas produced by fuel combustion such as gasoline, coal and propane.
Water and food safety
• Listen to official announcements to learn if tap water is safe for drinking, cooking, cleaning and bathing. Until you are certain that tap water is safe for consumption, use bottled water, or boil or disinfect your water.
• If a public warning to boil your water is still in force, do not drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth unless the water has been boiled for 1 minute or has been treated with odorless, domestic chlorine. To disinfect water, pour ¼ tbsp. (approx. 1.5 mL) of chlorine in a gallon of turbid water or 1/8 tbsp. (approx. 0.75 mL) of chlorine in a gallon of clean water. Stir well and let it sit for 30 minutes before using.
• Do not eat food with foul odors, bad appearance or that have been in contact with flood water. When in doubt, dispose of the food.
Avoid electric injuries
• Do not touch downed power lines. It is possible that they are charge and may cause injuries or death.
• When in presence of stagnant water, shut off electricity from the main switch. Do not restore electricity or use electrical tools or domestic appliances when standing in water.
Avoid contact with animals and insects
• Beware of mosquito bites. Avoid performing outdoor activities during the night and early in the morning, since mosquitoes bite more during these hours. Use a repellent with DEET or Picardin.
• Stay away from stray or wild animals. Injured or scared stray dogs may bite. Call local authorities to deal with these animals.
• Follow local recommendations about disposing of dead animals.
Drive carefully
• Stop and look towards both sides in every intersection. Drive slowly and keep a certain distance between your car and others. Beware of garbage that might be lying in the streets.
• Wear your seat belt.
• Do not drive if you have been drinking alcohol.
