Which condition results from prolonged exposure to cold water immersion?

• A. Trench Foot
• B. Frostbite
• C. Frostnip
• D. Hypothermia

Answer: (A)

Exposure to cold water for a long period causes trench foot, a nonfreezing cold injury. Water conducts heat away from the body much more efficiently than air, and being wet keeps the feet at low temperatures, so tissues are exposed to prolonged cold. This leads to sustained vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow to the skin and deeper tissues, causing tissue hypoxia, edema, and damage to the skin and underlying structures. The surface becomes pale or mottled, numb or tingly, and may blister or macerate; if exposure continues, ulcers and possible infection or tissue death can develop. This injury differs from frostbite, where tissue actually freezes and ice crystals form; frostnip is a milder, superficial freezing injury; and hypothermia is a systemic drop in core temperature with whole-body symptoms, not localized foot injury. Management centers on removing the person from the cold wet environment, drying and warming the feet gradually, elevating the limbs, and caring for any wounds or infection, with preventive measures like dry, insulated footwear to avoid recurrence.