Is it really possible to get sick if you get your feet wet?
It is believed that wet feet can cause at least a cold, or even the flu. In fact, the problem is not the moisture itself, but the cold in which the feet – and the body itself – find themselves.
Cold weakens the protective barriers of the mucous membranes, and at the same time constricts blood vessels , that is, blood circulation slows down. Therefore, leukocytes ready to destroy the infection reach the site of its invasion later, and pathogens have more time to reproduce.
The combination of these factors increases your risk of catching a cold. Thus, a small study showed that when cooling the feet, 10% of participants developed corresponding symptoms. But the connection between wet shoes and the disease is rather indirect.
What problems can wet feet actually lead to?
Where squelching in boots can really be dangerous is fungal infections . A humid environment is ideal for fungal growth. The skin and nails are most often affected.
Fungal infections appear as a rash , bumps under the skin and whitish streaks on the nails. They then become thick and cracked.
In addition, when wearing wet, cold shoes for 10–14 hours, swelling of the foot with numbness and pain may develop. This occurs due to restricted blood flow to the foot.
This is an unpleasant but relatively safe condition. The problem will disappear if you place wet feet in a warm and dry place.
What to do if your feet still get wet
While wet boots won’t cause a cold on their own, it’s important to get your feet warm and dry as soon as possible. This will not only stop the body from cooling down and speed up blood flow , but can also prevent the development of a fungal infection .
- Remove wet shoes and socks.
- Warm your feet: you can rub them with a dry towel, or you can put them in warm water. It is important that the temperature is not higher than 43 degrees, as its sudden change can cause skin damage.
- Once circulation has been restored, dry your feet thoroughly. You can wear wool socks, as this material retains heatwell . But others will do, as long as it’s warm and dry.