Burning Man participants stranded in the Nevada desert are said to be at risk of getting a “playa foot," a chemical burn caused by walking barefoot on the alkali dust-covered Black Rock Playa
TikTok videos have revealed several attendees of the Burning Man festival walking without shoes through the damp aftermath of a storm. This has prompted festival organizers to issue cautionary notices, alerting participants that walking barefoot on the soggy terrain could expose them to the risk of developing "playa foot." Playa foot refers to a chemical burn resulting from contact with the alkali dust present in the composition of the Black Rock Desert and Black Rock Playa.
Amid reports of cannibalism and the Ebola virus circulating among Burning Man participants stuck in the Nevada desert due to adverse weather conditions, there is growing concern about the potential for festival-goers to contract playa foot also known as trench foot.
Trench foot, as per medical definitions, is an ailment that arises when one's feet remain submerged in water for an extended duration, leading to harm to circulation and nerve functionality.
Due to the relentless onslaught of heavy rain and pervasive mud, an overwhelming majority of the event's participants, numbering approximately 70,000 individuals, find themselves stranded. The entry and exit points of the venue have been barricaded, leaving the nearest town, Reno, Nevada, situated roughly 100 miles distant, as the only viable destination.
History of Trench's foot
Although trench foot is often linked to World War I, where it claimed the lives of approximately 75,000 British soldiers, it remains a potential risk today. Health authorities warn that people can still develop trench foot if their feet are exposed to prolonged cold and wet conditions. This warning is particularly relevant to many attendees of Burning Man, who may now find themselves in such conditions.
Numerous people on social media have dubbed the occasion "Mudfoot Mayhem 2023" in light of TikTok videos showing people aimlessly navigating the spot without footwear amidst the muddy terrain.
To prevent the onset of trench foot, the CDC suggests the following measures: allow your feet to naturally air dry and elevate them, and ensure that damp socks and shoes are swapped out for dry alternatives.
If you’ve already contracted trench foot, you can treat it by thoroughly cleaning and drying your feet, putting on clean, dry socks daily, soaking the affected area in warm water, and of course, seeking medical assistance as soon as possible.