What Are COVID Toes?
COVID-19 is known to cause respiratory symptoms. Cough, fever, and loss of smell and taste. However, many do not know it also causes rashes and toe swelling, called COVID toes.
COVID Toes Symptoms
This can affect the feet and hands but is more common in the toes. Early symptoms are a red coloration of the skin. This gradually turns purple. It can affect any of the toes or all of them.
The condition seems to be mostly painless. It is only noticed because of the color changes. However, some do report itching and blistering too. As a new discovery, research is still ongoing. COVID toes can last for about two weeks. In some cases, it has lasted for months.
Without foot treatment, COVID toes may go away. But, there are things you can try to help relieve any itching. Hydrocortisone cream has been shown to help with this. If symptoms get worse, you may need to see a foot doctor.
COVID Toes Causes
The cause of changes to toes is not entirely known. Rashes are common in general when fighting infections. So, COVID toes could just be a symptom of the body fighting the coronavirus.
Research has shown that inflammation is related to this condition. It affects the blood vessels. In some cases, vessel damage has occurred as well as leaking.
The Link to COVID-19
The link between COVID-19 and COVID toes is correlative. Not everyone with the side effect has tested positive for the coronavirus, though. When identified, it seems to appear in later stages of the disease. This may be the reason some tests read negative.
Many of those with COVID toes have not reported COVID-19 symptoms. If they have, it has been mild fever or congestion. Reportedly, most people who have it are in younger patients. At this time, there is no clear relationship between the two. It is believed that patients are not contagious when it appears. This is because of its late-onset.
Additionally, this toe discomfort can also be linked to rashes. These rashes can also be seen with COVID-19. This is another potential link, but further research is needed.
So, if you are experiencing symptoms of this coronavirus side effect, call us at 888-409-8006. Our foot specialist is here to help. Our offices are located in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs & Plantation.