Covid toes, a strange symptom in patients with nCoV

Covid-19 has basic symptoms such as dry cough, fever, fatigue, shortness of breath. However, some patients also suffer from pinkeye and loss of their sense of smell. Recently, dermatologists mentioned a strange phenomenon in Covid-19 patients called "Covid toes".  

What is Covid Toes?

Dr. Esther Freeman, who is working at Massachusetts General Hospital (USA), said some patients have purple red legs. This phenomenon appears before the patient has other common symptoms. Even some people who are positive for nCoV virus do not have a cough, fever, shortness of breath but still have "Covid toes".

This condition usually begins with the discoloration of the skin of the limbs, hands turning red or purple. Afterwards, the skin may become blistered or ulcerated. The affected areas include the tip of the finger, toes and both sides of the foot. At that time, the patient feels hot, itchy skin.

Of the symptoms that can appear on the skin of nCoV-infected patients, "Covid toes" may be the most typical.

Toes of a Covid-19 patient (30 years old)

What causes "Covid toes"?

Although the research has just begun, experts have come up with a number of theories.

According to Dr. Freeman, the virus may have caused an infection. This phenomenon is similar to gingivitis when the skin is inflamed with signs of swelling.

Another idea is that thrombosis may occur in Covid-19 patients.

“I'm not sure for one reason or another. It is possible that each factor may contribute to this phenomenon, ”said Dr. Freeman.

Is this phenomenon common?

Dr. Freeman examined 100 reports documenting the status of those infected and suspected nCoV infections. Nearly half of all patients had a purple red spot on their leg or arm. In some cases this is the only symptom.

However, Dr. Freeman is still quite cautious: "I do not use the red toes to refer to 'I'm definitely going to be sick'."  

Also according to the survey, this phenomenon is more common in young people and children.

Treatment for "Covid toes"

For patients without other symptoms, there is no specific cure. Dr. Freeman advises that if you notice any signs of such a foot problem, contact a dermatologist and recommend an nCoV test.

However, people with underlying medical conditions such as drug reactions or connective tissue disorders have similar symptoms. Therefore, doctors need to carefully ask the patient's medical history.

What are the other skin symptoms of Covid-19 patients?

According to the American Dermatology Association, patients with Covid-19 may have skin symptoms similar to those caused by other viral infections.

Doctors have shown some basic manifestations: swelling in the limbs; vascular lesions of the hands and feet with severe patients; Necrosis in people who have pronounced symptoms and underlying disease.

The importance of finding "Covid toes" does not lie in the situation itself. This can be a sign to prevent you from spreading the disease to others without typical Covid-19 symptoms.