Doctors worldwide have been discovering that a toe condition possibly caused by the new coronavirus presents symptoms similar to those caused by chilblains, which is a condition that normally appears in the winter months. Visits to podiatrists and dermatologists for red, painful, and itchy toe conditions have been on the rise since the outbreak began.
Most of these patients have been teenagers, children, and young adults who are otherwise asymptomatic for coronavirus. Some health experts are suggesting that ‘covid toe’ should be added to the list of symptoms that warrant coronavirus testing since these patients can unwittingly infect other patients.
Signs of a possible coronavirus-related toe condition include the following:
● Toes will first appear swollen
● Toes will redden and become painful and itchy with rashes similar to that caused by frostbite, chilblains, and chickenpox.
● As the condition progresses, the toes will take on a deeper purple color and some oozing may occur.
Health professionals and experts say that the appearance of the toe conditions in infected patients usually indicates a robust immune response to the virus and that the vast majority of such patients do very well with combating the virus and that the toe conditions usually subside after two or three weeks.
If you are worried about painful, red lesions on your toes contact your foot doctor for an evaluation. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX (county of Dallas), is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.