COVID-19 infections are known to cause coughing, aching muscles and a loss of smell. For some people, the infection leads to a skin condition called COVID toes. Let’s walk you through everything you need to know about the uncommon symptom.
What are COVID toes?
COVID toes is a skin condition associated with COVID-19 that presents usually without more common symptoms, like a cough or a fever. Some people with an infection develop discoloration or skin changes on their elbows, hands, wrists, fingers, toes or outer side of their feet. It is typically observed in adolescents and young adults.
What do COVID toes look like?
COVID toes manifest as reddened or purplish lesions on the toes, which may or may not be accompanied by pain, itching or swelling. Lesions may occur on one or several toes. In some cases, blisters or pus may form under the skin.
COVID toes are usually reported in mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 cases. Fewer cases of COVID toes have been reported with variants of the SARS infection compared to the initial infection during the peak of the pandemic.
Treatment
Currently, there are no specific treatment guidelines for COVID toes. In most cases, a watchful waiting approach is recommended. COVID toes typically resolve within a span of two to eight weeks. With time, the symptoms tend to improve and eventually disappear.
However, if you are experiencing significant pain, high corticosteroid use can help alleviate discomfort.
Does having COVID toes mean I am COVID-19 positive?
In people with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection, lesions often appear one to four weeks after onset symptoms. This delay suggests a post-viral response or a lag in the process. Testing during this timeframe may show negative results as the virus has already cleared to undetectable levels.
Also, other inflammatory infections can look like COVID toes.
Talk to your health care provider about vaccination options and follow the provided isolation recommendations.
Maintain a strong immune system by eating well, getting plenty of rest and using effective stress management. The best prevention is to stay healthy.
