"TRENCH-FOOT A NEW WAR DISEASE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2715, 9 March 1916, Page 7

"TRENCH-FOOT A NEW WAR DISEASE

THE. MUD AND SLUSH OF-THE 1 TRENCHES. It has long been recognised that the condition of tho soldiers' feet is an important factor ii'i winning or losing' a campaign. _ The present war differs from previous conflicts, however, in that tho troubles to be guarded against come not from excessive marching, but from too much standing still. A recognisable malady, which has come to be known to the military surgeons as "trench-foot," is due to standing all day in tho cold mud aiid slush of the trenches. It lias been thought worthy of special attention by the French Academy of Medicine, which has issued a special series of leaflets to tho soldiers, telling them how to avoid it. Says a contributor to '"The . British Medical Journal" (London, December 18):"After pointing out that such lesions occurred particularly in the foot, owing to standing in water, _ liquid mud, or melted snow, to wearing damp boots, to contraction of the leather and consef|unt constriction of the foot interfering with tho circulation and producing swelling of tho foot and the lower part of the leg, tho leaflet proceeds to make certain recommendations. It advises that the men should make every effort to render the bottom of the trenches as dry as possible by means of drains and catch-pits, and laying down shingle or hurdles; that men should not remain standing or sitting longer than is necessary; that tlie.v should wear large boots; and that it is worth while to wrap tho feet with strips of paper 'inder the socks and to keep two pairs of boots and socks, so that those not in use can bo dried. _ The most important point, however, is to take the boots off at least once a day, and to rub the feet and lower parts of the logs thoroughly for ten minutes, while at the, came tiue the toes and ankles are moved energetically. Afterwards, a dry pair of socks should bo put on. The soldiers are counselled to use tho opportunity of being in camp billets to give pvi:e:tl<ir care to their feet and huots, wa-l.ir.g the feet and -'lbbing them at least once a day. The lioots should be cleaned rf all mud, dried witiiout hardening ihcm by bringing them too m-ar the fire, and greased. Further, if he has reason to fear that his Feet -ire beginning to suffer from cold, tho soldier is advised to take off his boots, rub tiic ioct. ctnfly, put on sabots rilled wish straw, an; l see the medical officer at once." .