Seaman's Rot
Description
Seaman's rot is a flesh-eating disease (similar to leprosy, gangrene, and trench foot). Sailors that are missing limbs, fingers and toes, ears, noses, etc, may well be counted amongst the few lucky survivors of this affliction.
Contagion
A disease which most often strikes the feet of sailors who spend excessive amounts of time in constant wet and cold conditions. A slow necrosis of the flesh in affected areas sets in and gradually spreads throughout the body. Prolonged physical proximity and contact with afflicted tissues are the known vectors of transmission.
Course
Treatment
Cures are possible, requiring treatment with strong antibiotics, and debridement of infected tissues. while the former is not generally available at sea, the physical removal of stricken tissues is as far away as a fire-heated knife. In the absence of fire, packing the afflicted area with salt is an alternate to cauterization.
Medicinal
Strong antibiotics.
Surgical
Debridement of afflicted tissues and cauterization with heat metal, fire, or packed salt.
