What causes immersion foot?

Immersion foot is primarily caused by standing in water for a prolonged period of time. When the feet are submerged in cold water, especially for extended periods, the skin and underlying tissues can become damaged due to prolonged exposure to moisture. This condition is characterized by a number of symptoms, including swelling, pain, and changes in skin color.

When feet are constantly wet, especially in cool or cold environments, the skin weakens and can lose its protective properties, which may lead to tissue damage. The breakdown of the skin allows for an increased risk of infection and further complications.

Other factors, such as temperature and circulation, can influence the severity of the condition, but the root cause remains the duration of exposure to water. The other options, while related to foot health and conditions that can arise from various environmental factors, do not directly cause immersion foot in the same way that prolonged exposure to water does.