Burning Man attendees claim mud is causing chemical burns on their feet

04 September 2023 , 22:45

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Attendees walk through a muddy desert plain (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Tens of thousands of attendees at Burning Man, the counterculture festival in northern Nevada, were stranded due to muddy roads caused by heavy rain. Among other issues, many reported facing problems with serious burns on their feet, caused by a chemical found in the desert's sand.

Justin Schuman, an actor and content creator who spent 11 days at the Burning Man festival, described the challenging conditions at the Black Rock Desert where the festival is taking place. Particularly, he mentioned the wet and slick mud, as well as the potential risk of a chemical burn called "Playa Foot" from prolonged exposure to the mud.

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Thousands have been stranded at the Burning Man festival site in Black Rock (AP)

He told CBS News: "[The mud is] really, really wet and really, really slick. It is also very alkaline, so you do have to be careful for no prolonged exposure of your skin to the mud because apparently, it can start to really gently burn your skin."

Otherwise, Mr Schuman said that the challenges brought out the best in people. He talked about witnessing resilience among festivalgoers and how people were coming together to help each other. He mentioned seeing strangers hugging strangers and people gifting things to others.

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Mr Schuman and his friends had enough supplies to last them several days and were sharing what they could with those in need. He noted: "What I have seen personally is resilience. I've seen a huge amount of people coming together, I have seen strangers hugging strangers, I have seen people gifting things to others."

festival site in Black Rock, Nev., on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. An unusual late-summer storm stranded thousands at the week-long event (AP)

On Monday, the roads in the desert had dried enough to allow people to begin leaving, although organizers encouraged them to delay their departure until Tuesday to ease traffic congestion. About 64,000 people remained at the festival site on Monday afternoon. Organizers asked attendees not to walk out of the Black Rock Desert but did not specify why.

The festival had been closed to vehicles due to the rain, postponing the traditional ceremonial fires. Weather permitting, the burning of the wooden effigy and temple was rescheduled for Monday and Tuesday evening, respectively. Despite the challenges, attendees showed resilience and a sense of community, with some helping each other and making the best of the situation.

German photographer Jana Schuessler's shoe at the Burning Man Festival (CEN)

What is Playa Foot?

The Burning Man organizers warn of Playa Foot, a condition unique to the Black Rock Desert, caused by the alkali dust constituting the desert floor, and it essentially results in a chemical burn. They mention that it most commonly occurs when individuals expose their feet to the desert ground without wearing socks and closed shoes. While not deemed a severe condition, it can be uncomfortable and can be managed with self-care.

According to them, to address Playa Foot, individuals should start by thoroughly washing their feet to remove embedded playa dust, possibly soaking them in water mixed with a small amount of vinegar to neutralize the alkali. After washing, they should ensure their feet are completely dust-free. Optionally, they may apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the soles of their feet if they can keep them covered with socks and shoes.

In terms of preventive measures, the organizers recommend keeping feet covered as much as possible and maintaining a daily routine of washing feet and applying moisturizing lotion before bed and before putting on socks and shoes.

The organizers also advise seeking immediate medical attention if signs of infection are observed (such as redness, swelling, increasing pain, or red streaks running up the legs), if a fever develops, or if feet become too sore to walk on. They emphasize that proper care and prevention can help participants enjoy their time in the desert while minimizing the discomfort of Playa Foot.

Vassia Barba