How did people get trench foot?

Trench foot is a medical condition that affects the feet of soldiers who are exposed to cold, wet, and unsanitary conditions for a prolonged period of time. It is caused by prolonged immersion of the feet in water which leads to maceration of the skin, fungal and bacterial infections.

During World War I, trench foot was a common problem for soldiers who were fighting in the trenches. The trenches were often flooded with water and mud, and the soldiers were often forced to stand in these conditions for hours or even days at a time. As a result, many soldiers developed trench foot.

The symptoms of trench foot include swelling, blisters, redness, and pain in the feet. In severe cases, the tissue in the feet can become infected and gangrenous, which can lead to amputation.

Trench foot is a serious medical condition and can have a profound impact on the lives of those who suffer from it. Many soldiers who developed trench foot during World War I were unable to return to active duty, and some were even discharged from the military.