What is a common sign of immersion foot?

Immersion foot, often associated with prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions, leads to specific physical symptoms due to tissue damage from moisture and temperature. Numbness and swelling are particularly common signs of immersion foot because they result from the body's response to cold stress, which affects blood circulation and nerve function. As the tissues become increasingly compromised by moisture and cold, swelling can occur, and the sensation of numbness indicates nerve involvement.

While other signs such as redness, blisters, and fever may occur in varying degrees with other conditions or advanced stages of immersion foot, the numbness and swelling are more directly representative of the initial physiological effects of sustained exposure to wet conditions that characterize this condition. Understanding immersion foot's symptoms is crucial for prompt recognition and treatment to prevent further tissue damage.