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Mountaineer's heel.
1Department of Dermatology, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK. roland_m_strauss@hotmail.com
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|May 25, 2004
Summary
Mountaineers can develop severe skin lesions from prolonged boot friction, especially in cold conditions. This case highlights deep heel ulcers in a climber after a challenging ascent, emphasizing the risk of friction injuries in extreme environments.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Sports Medicine
- Mountaineering Medicine
Background:
- Mountaineers face unique dermatological challenges due to extreme environmental conditions and specialized gear.
- Constant friction from mountaineering boots, particularly with crampons, can lead to significant skin trauma.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old mountaineer presented with severe, deeply ulcerated lesions on both heels.
- The lesions appeared after a two-and-a-half-day climb involving crampon use in cold, high-altitude conditions.
Findings:
- The prolonged exposure to cold and moisture, combined with inescapable boot friction, likely exacerbated the skin damage.
- The inability to remove footwear for rewarming contributed to the acute presentation of the heel ulcers.
Implications:
- Understanding these risk factors is crucial for preventing and managing friction-induced skin lesions in mountaineers.
- This case underscores the need for appropriate footwear, acclimatization, and potential protective measures for high-risk expeditions.