“Working an 8-hour shift with wet feet?”
We had a water pipe burst in the early part of my shift and unfortunately my feet were completely soaked for the rest of the day. Temperate to warm so there wasn't any concern with being cold or freezing. I noticed this morning that my feet are red and extremely sore to stand on. Should I consult a medical professional or just simply rest it off?
Male | 25 years old
Medications: setratline
Conditions: Sore feet
13 Answers
Yong J Zhu
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)
Yes, see a podiatrist, sounds like you have a condition call trench foot.
Yes, you should consult a medical professional just because you may have contracted a fungal infection.
James Lawton
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)
You may have had a reaction to a contaminate in the water. You need to be evaluated and treated by a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon or a Dermatologist.
Alan Ettinger
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)
You may have a condition known as warm water immersion foot. If it persists, seek medical help.
Geoffrey Bricker
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)
Probably trenchfoot. Might try epsom salt soaks for twenty minutes, then allow to dry without shoes.
Gregg Williams
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist) | Foot & Ankle Surgery
You should consult a medical professional. The feet have been macerated due to the water. The redness can indicate an infection.
Jan David Tepper
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)
Fungus likes to live in areas that are warm dark and moist so skin rash cracking and dryness could result in a breakdown of the skin, which could allow access of bacteria and you could develop an acute bacterial infection as well. So, any signs of pain swelling or discoloration should be addressed, especially if there is an underlying medical condition that could interfere with the ability to fight infections.
Jan David Tepper, DPM FACFAS
Jan David Tepper, DPM FACFAS
Jay Mermelstein
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)
I would see a medical professional. You did not specify if it was clean or dirty water. Considering there can be microbes anywhere. When your feet are in a moist environment for hours, you are more prone to fungal and bacterial infections. A medical professional can make the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
Jay Mermelstein, DPM DABPM
Jay Mermelstein, DPM DABPM
Hello,
I imagine your feet must be severely macerated from being wet all day. I would give them a couple of days to completely dry out and go from there. If there is no improvement then I would seek medical treatment.
I imagine your feet must be severely macerated from being wet all day. I would give them a couple of days to completely dry out and go from there. If there is no improvement then I would seek medical treatment.
You likely have a fungal infection or the beginnings of a bacterial infection, or both. Alternatively, there could have been a chemical or dye in the shoes or socks you were wearing that irritated the skin on your feet and caused a dermatitis. I would immediately consult a Podiatrist and have them evaluate the situation so that it does not progress. Worst case scenario-a bacterial infection could spread and even lead to amputation or death if it is not treated properly and in a timely fashion. I also would recommend taking photos for a worker's comp case in the event you decide to involve your work, as this was a work-related incident.
Hello,
You likely have a mild fungal skin infection. Put on some over-the-counter fungal cream. If it still red in two days, see your doctor.
Dr. Patel
You likely have a mild fungal skin infection. Put on some over-the-counter fungal cream. If it still red in two days, see your doctor.
Dr. Patel
Mark Richard Gorman
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)
Wait 24 hours. If not better, seek medical advice.
Anthony M. Caristo
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)
I would recommend you schedule an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) for evaluation. You likely have developed an athlete's foot due to the excessive moisture. Proper treatment will reduce risk of further infection.
