In The Trenches

 Okay, time to talk about something gross. We're getting far too mainstream here. Let's see...we've covered the pee funnel. There's a blog to come about other...ahem..."business" in the woods. Hmmmm. Oh, I know! Let's discuss FEET! Feet can be pretty icky, smelly things in and of themselves but how about hiking feet.

 If your feet aren't happy while hiking, then your trip is destined to be miserable. Think about any time you've had a blister, a hot spot or frostnip/bite. I'm getting the heebie-jeebies just thinking about it. We can be nastier than all of those though. Let's discuss TRENCH FOOT!

Trench foot (or immersion foot) is characterized by itching, swelling, pain and numbness. The skin gets blotchy and cold and may cause that pin-and-needles feeling we all hate. When your foot is affected and warm, it may also be dry and red. It gets its name from our veterans, who dealt with trench foot during times of war.Yikes! Can you imagine?
And how does one acquire such a malady? Well, I'm thinking about a time when a group of chicks I know chose to stomp across a stream to get to our rest site...midway through a hike. :) That could cause it, particularly as cold water can certainly aggravate the situation. Basically, any time your feet get wet and stay wet for an extended period of time, you are susceptible to TF.
If your feet get wet while hiking, you can avoid this stinky situation by drying and elevating the feet after they've become wet. Change wet socks and shoes as soon as possible. If it's too late and you've hiked too long in your sopping boots, the next step is to keep the situation from worsening and/or spreading. To do this, clean your feet thoroughly and air dry. Change your socks daily, wearing only those that are clean and dry. You should avoid sleeping in socks or really wearing them any time it's unnecessary.
 Any affected foot should be soaked in warm water for about 5 minutes and you can apply a warm pack for about the same time. You should also find a doctor as soon as you can. Remember that this is an injury to your feet and they will be more susceptible to infection if you're suffering from trench foot. Make sure you check regularly for infection as you heal.