Aside from losing their sense of taste and smell, having weak bones, and losing their hair after recovering from the coronavirus, many people also complain of developing rashes in specific areas, such as the feet and fingers.
COVID toes can occur at any age, but they are more common in children, teenagers, and young adults. They are healthy young patients. Many people never have other, more typical COVID-19 symptoms including a dry cough, fever, or muscle aches. They typically have only minor COVID-19 symptoms when they do.
Cause
The exact cause of COVID toes is unknown. Rashes are frequently seen in individuals battling viral infections, particularly when such infections are respiratory in character, according to some experts. It is thought that the phenomena that exists with COVID-19 may extend to COVID toes. Like how antibiotic therapy can result in rashes and other skin problems. Both those who tested positive for the coronavirus and those who tested negative for the virus saw these skin changes.
Patients who have had this illness have typically not displayed symptoms of ischemia, which is poor blood circulation, or Raynaud, which is when parts of the body become numb and chilly due to low temperatures or stress.
Symptoms
Your toes or fingers' skin may swell up, seem bright red, and then gradually turn purple. Skin of color may appear bloated and purple and may have spots that are brownish purple in color. Many people report feeling nothing, and they only become aware of the changes when they examine their fingers or toes.
But in addition to swollen, discolored skin, there's also a chance of developing:
- Pain
- High, uncomfortable bumps
- Rough skin patches
- Blisters
- Itching
If I already have a skin issue, what happens?
The risk of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus is typically not greater in people with skin problems than it is in healthy individuals. Some skin conditions can deteriorate due to stress and concern. It is crucial to keep treating the skin condition. Consult your primary care physician or dermatologist for advice if you have questions about a condition or medication.
Treatment
COVID toes will naturally disappear. However, if COVID toe symptoms annoy you, you can address them. A hydrocortisone cream can be applied to relieve pain or itching. Call a board-certified dermatologist or your physician if that doesn't work or if the condition of your fingers or toes worsens. The skin peels off as the parts gradually heal after the person does.