Can you catch a cold from wet feet?
It is believed that wet feet can cause at least a cold, if not 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 mucous membranes, and at the same time narrows blood vessels, which means blood circulation slows down. Therefore, the white blood cells, ready to destroy the infection, reach the site of its invasion later, and pathogens have more time to multiply.
The combination of these factors increases the risk of catching a cold. For example, a small study found that when feet were cold, 10 per cent of participants developed symptoms. But the link between wet shoes and illness is rather indirect.
To what problems can lead to wet feet in reality
What squelching in boots can really be dangerous is fungal infections. A damp environment is ideal for fungal growth. The skin and toenails are most often affected.
Fungal infections are manifested by rashes, bumps under the skin and whitish streaks on the nails. These 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 restriction of blood flow to the foot.
