A pathophysiologist has warned of the health risks of soaked feet

Sergei Stepanov, a senior lecturer at the Department of Fundamental Medical Disciplines at the State University of Education and a pathophysiologist, told Izvestia on November 18 about what to do if your shoes leak and your feet get wet.

"Wet feet can lead to hypothermia and even frostbite if the temperature outside is below -5 degrees Celsius. The danger is that water takes away body surface temperature very easily. While the feet are wet, there is a sharp heat transfer by the body, as a result of which the body experiences severe stress, sharply reduced immunity and increased risk of viral infection, "- he explained.

According to him, if you get your feet wet, dry your shoes as quickly as possible and change socks. You can also use an additional layer that insulates your feet from the soaked shoes, such as cellophane. But it is better to put on any other changeable pair right away. You should also try to get indoors faster. There, warm your feet in warm or hot water, dry them and put on warm socks.

"If the street is -5 degrees and below, there is a risk of frostbite of the lower extremities - most likely, it will be frostbite of the first degree. Skin coverings at this at first pale, and then begin to redden. Blisters may appear. First aid in frostbite - wash your feet, dry them and put on warm socks. Then immediately go to a trauma center. Self-medication is not allowed, including piercing blisters or applying various ointments", - concluded the pathophysiologist.

In March, Invitro therapist Ekaterina Terentyeva told Izvestia that soaked feet can not only cause a person discomfort, but also become the cause of some diseases, including fungal infection. In addition, she said, it can lead to hypothermia, especially in cold weather, which increases the risk of acute respiratory infections.