In April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic reports began to surface of skin lesions (chilblains) appearing on the toes with a high frequency in those infected with the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19. Are they a real thing?
COVID toes is a term used to describe a skin condition that has been observed in some people who have been infected with COVID-19. It is characterized by the appearance of red or purple lesions on the toes, which may be itchy or painful. The lesions may also be accompanied by swelling or a burning sensation.
The exact cause of COVID toes is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be related to an inflammatory response triggered by the virus. Some experts believe that COVID toes may be a sign of a milder or asymptomatic infection, while others suggest that it may be a late-stage manifestation of the disease.
COVID toes have been observed in people of all ages, including children and young adults, and are more commonly seen in women than men. Most cases of COVID toes are mild and resolve on their own within a few weeks, but in some cases, they may be more severe and require medical attention.
It is important to note that COVID toes are just one of the many possible symptoms of COVID-19, and not all people who have been infected with the virus will experience this condition. Other symptoms of COVID-19 may include fever, cough, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.
Resources on COVID toes:
This thread on the forum, Podiatry Arena, lists and links to all the differing opinions and research on COVID toes:
https://podiatryarena.com/index.php?threads/chilblains-and-covid-19-covid-toes.112258/
This chat from PodChatLive discussed the current issues around the concept and if it was a real thing:
http://podchatlive.com/episode-81-with-nadia-dembsky-chilblains-and-covid-toes/
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