Which practice best prevents immersion foot (trench foot) in athletes?

Which practice best prevents immersion foot (trench foot) in athletes?

• A. Keep feet damp to maintain skin conditioning
• B. Maintain a dry environment within footwear with frequent changes of socks or footwear and moisture-wicking materials
• C. Soak feet in hot water after training
• D. Wear plastic bags over feet to keep them warm

Answer: (B)

Immersion foot happens when feet stay damp for long periods, causing skin maceration and tissue damage. The best way to prevent it is to keep the feet dry inside the footwear, using moisture-wicking socks and rotating socks or footwear so moisture isn’t trapped. A dry environment minimizes skin softening and breakdown, reducing the risk of irritation and infection. Soaking feet or keeping them damp won’t help, and wrapping feet in plastic bags traps moisture and heat, making the problem worse.

Immersion foot happens when feet stay damp for long periods, causing skin maceration and tissue damage. The best way to prevent it is to keep the feet dry inside the footwear, using moisture-wicking socks and rotating socks or footwear so moisture isn’t trapped. A dry environment minimizes skin softening and breakdown, reducing the risk of irritation and infection. Soaking feet or keeping them damp won’t help, and wrapping feet in plastic bags traps moisture and heat, making the problem worse.