March 4, 2022

During the COVID-19 epidemic, a peculiar foot condition appeared, capturing the interest of podiatrists, doctors, and scientists alike. Covid toe or Covid toe is a disorder that occurs in certain persons who become infected with the virus.
This may come as a surprise to you. After all, the World Health Organization states that coronavirus is typically connected with respiratory sickness symptoms such as coughing. However, medical specialists have been discussing and researching Covid toe since the pandemic’s early stages. (According to Health.com, it was originally reported in April 2020.)

Furthermore, as we’ll explain later, scientific studies released in October of last year found a strong correlation between developing Covid toe and the way certain people’s immune systems fight off COVID-19.

Covid Toe Symptoms – Redness, Swelling and More
Covid toes can affect one or more of your toes. Your fingers are also susceptible to the problem.

What are the main symptoms?
  • Inflammation
  • Skin discoloration – some or all of the toe turns deep red, purple, or bluish and may look bruised
  • Burning sensation
  • Itching
  • Rough areas, lumps and blisters (pus may be present)
  • Pain, soreness, and tenderness

Covid Toe Resembles Chilblains
Covid Toe is an infection of the toes that can be very painful, but it is treatable. Covid Toe sores start as red spots that look like blisters and itch severely. If you have chilblains, you might have Covid Toe. Covid Toe is more common than many people realize. Even if you feel OK, you should phone your doctor if a chill blow-like spot occurs on your foot or toe without cold exposure.

Young People are Most Often Affected
Wearing shoes or walking about may become uncomfortable if Covid toe affects your toes. Covid toe, like gout, may be a crippling foot disease. According to BBC News, a 13-year-old girl with severe Covid toe has been using a wheelchair because her feet ache so severely. Although the illness can affect persons of different ages, teens and children are the most typically impacted. According to the BBC, covid toe is uncommon among persons who have been immunized against COVID-19.

New Research
For more than a year, scientists were baffled as to what caused Covid toe and why chilblain-like symptoms appeared in some patients. Thankfully, a fresh Covid toe study from the University of Paris and published in the British Journal of Dermatology has thrown light on this foot issue.

Covid toe is an indication that some of your antibodies have gone into overdrive and attacked your cells rather than simply the virus, resulting in severe inflammation. It also signals that your body developed an excessive amount of Type I interferons, which can cause skin issues when present in big quantities (as the Royal College of Podiatry pointed out earlier this year).

Because circulation is worse in your toes than in other sections of your body closer to your heart, it’s all too easy for well-meaning but troublesome antibodies and interferons to remain there, resulting in Covid toe.

Our All-in-one Foot care Center, the offices of Dr. Arshia Roohian, Can Help
The findings, perhaps, will pave the road for Covid toe treatments. Although the ailment usually resolves on its own, some people suffer from it for months. Long after your body has eliminated the infection, you may still have Covid toe. It’s no surprise that many Covid toe patients obtain negative COVID-19 test results.

If you have Covid toe symptoms, the podiatrist staff at our sanitary, well-equipped California foot clinic can assist you. We can identify the problem and recommend solutions to alleviate the discomfort (a steroid cream can help, for instance).



Dislcaimer

The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date content, the information here should not be relied upon to make decisions regarding your health or medical conditions. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice based on information you have read on this blog. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Remember, individual results may vary, and there are no guarantees of any specific outcomes. Your health and safety are our top priorities—please consult your physician before making any changes to your healthcare routine.

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