What is Trench Foot?

Description of the disease

Trench foot is a serious infectious disease that occurs due to a foot injury in conditions of inadequate hygiene. It is associated with contact of the wound with spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which causes tetanus.

Classification

• Regular trench foot
• Severe trench foot
• Suppurative trench foot

Symptoms

• Pain in the area of the wound
• Impaired sensitivity
• Muscle cramps
• Jaw muscles become tense

Causes

The cause of the disease is foot injury followed by infection of the wound with the bacterium Clostridium tetani.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of trench foot includes a visual examination of the wound, analysis for the presence of Clostridium tetani spores, and a blood test for the level of antitoxin.

Treatment

Treatment includes wound cleansing, administration of antitoxin, antibiotics, and sometimes surgical intervention to remove necrotic tissue.

Prevention

Prevention includes proper wound care, vaccination against tetanus, and adherence to hygiene standards.

Doctor

Trench foot treatment is carried out by an infectious disease specialist or surgeon.