Disclaimer. I am not a licensed health practitioner. This is just another post on knowledge and understanding you might wish to acquire in advance of a disaster in case no higher care is available. As long as our society is functioning, you should leave anything more substantial than applying a Band-Aid to the professionals. No medication, including those available over the counter, should be taken without consulting a physician. Information shared here is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not medical advice nor a substitute for licensed medical care.
Chilblain, immersion foot, and trench foot are cold injuries to parts of the body, usually the face and extremities caused by exposure of tissues and small surface blood vessels to low temperatures. The extent of the injury depends on the temperature, duration of exposure, wind speed, humidity, lack of protective clothing, and/or the presence of wet clothing. The harmful effects of exposure are increased by fatigue, existing injuries, emotional stress, tobacco use, alcohol, and individual susceptibility.
Chilblain is a mild form of cold injury that occurs at a moderately cold temperature—above freezing—usually in the range of 32°F to 61°F. It most commonly affects the back of the hand, but it may also affect the lower limbs, especially the shin area of the legs.
The skin takes on a bluish-red color and becomes slightly swollen. It may itch and burn, both of which become worse as the skin warms. If exposure is brief, these symptoms may disappear completely. Intermittent exposure may result in a chronic condition with increased swelling, deep red-purple skin discoloration, blisters, and bleeding ulcers which heal slowly and leave numerous pigmented scars.
The treatment is to apply Vaseline. Individuals susceptible to chilblain should avoid exposure to cold temperatures or wear wool socks and gloves.[1]
Immersion foot occurs when the feet are exposed to a cold water, usually below 50°F for more than 12 hours. It most frequently occurred among shipwrecked sailors in lifeboats with the accompanying wet clothing, adverse weather conditions, and poor diet.[2]
Trench foot occurs primarily in damp environments where the feet are in damp or wet socks for hours at a time.[3]
Immersion foot and trench foot can look quite similar to frostbite, but are often more swollen than the latter. The signs and symptoms are white, macerated skin. Capillary refill is slow and the pulses near the afflicted foot may be weak and thready.
Both immersion foot and trench foot are treated the same. The feet should be washed in warm water, no more than 104°F. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline as needed for discomfort. Keep the feet dry and warm, but not exposed to direct heat. The patient should stay off his feet and keep them elevated as much as possible.[4]
There was no mention of treatment of these conditions in any of the herbal references I normally consult. An essential oils reference suggests that geranium essential oil is effective for treating chilblain. Lavender and rosemary may also be beneficial.
Links to related posts:
References:
Survival and Austere Medicine, 3rd Edition, 191.
[1] The Ship’s Medicine Chest and Medical Aid at Sea, 1978, 103.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Joseph Alton, The Survival Medicine Handbook, 213-14.
25 october 2022
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