Coronavirus: What is COVID toes? Causes, symptoms and all you need to know
All you need to know about COVID toes
The novel coronavirus has impacted people in various ways. From taking a toll on respiratory health and other vital organs, the SARs-COV-2 virus has also affected people's fingers and toes. While it may not seem very dangerous, it can lead to discomfort and pain. Currently termed as 'COVID toes', while rare, it is said to be more prone in younger patients. A 13-year-old teenager recently reported suffering from the ailment, which prevented her from walking and also made it difficult for her to wear shoes. That said, for those of you, unaware of this unusual COVID effect, here's what it is and everything else you need to know.
What is COVID toes?
As per the College of Podiatry, Covid toes is the name given to chilblain-like lesions which appear on the toes of some people after having contracted COVID-19. According to research, it can occur both on fingers and the toes. However, it is more common. Besides causing lesions, it can lead to bright red colouration on the fingers or toes, which eventually turns purple. The most dangerous aspect of this ailment is that it can go from impacting one toe to all the other toes.
Are there any specific causes?
Up until now, there have been no specific causes behind COVID toes, however, research is still ongoing.
Experts believe that COVID toes is an outcome of the immune system reacting to an active coronavirus infection. That means it could be an antiviral immune response triggered by the immune system of younger patients, which in turn results in changes in microangiopathic - small blood vessel disease.
Another theory suggests that COVID toes could be a direct result of the SARs-COV-2 virus. Walking barefoot in homes, lack of physical movements and a sedentary lifestyle is said to be some of the causes.
Associated symptoms
For many people, COVID toes only lead to discoloration and swelling of the feet or hands. However, it can be painless and people usually don't feel anything.
In other cases, in addition to the swelling and the discolouration, COVID toes can cause blisters, itchy rashes, painful bumps and areas of rough skin. In severe cases, a small amount of pus may also develop under the skin.
Treatment
In most cases, COVID toes heals on its own. However, if the ailment lingers on for longer periods of time, contact a dermatologist, who can prescribe you the right medications or ointments to apply on the affected area.