COVID TOE RASHES

How the Coronavirus can affect your skin.

Covid toes can develop at any age...

Doctors around the world have noticed that some patients who test positive who test positive for the coronavirus develop discolored and swollen toes.

While COVID toes can appear at any age, children, teenagers and young adults seem most likely to develop this condition. These young patients are healthy. Many never develop other, more common symptoms of COVID-19 such as a dry cough, fever and muscle aches. When they do have symptoms of COVID-19, the symptoms tend to be mild.

WHAT YOU MAY SEE WITH COVID TOES: The condition may develop on your toes, fingers or both. From what we know, it seems that most people develop this only on their toes which explains the name "COVID toes".  

The swelling and discoloration can begin on one or several toes or fingers according to Amy Paller, MD, FAAD, who is a board certified pediatric dermatologist and Chair of Dermatology at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. At first, you might see a bright red color that gradually turns to purple.  COVID toes can also begin with a purplish color.

Symptoms: Many people don't feel anything and only realize that they have COVID toes when they see the discoloration and swelling on their feet (or hands).

Along with the swelling and discoloration, COVID toes can also cause blisters, itch or pain. Some people develop painful raised bumps or areas of rough skin.  Others may see a small amount of pus under their skin.

Sometimes, people who have COVID toes have other symptoms of COVID-19.

Treatment for COVID toes: To reduce pain or itching, apply a hydrocortisone cream to the affected area.  If this fails to bring relief or symptoms worsen, contact a Podiatrist.

How long COVID toes last: While COVID toes go away without treatment, it's still too soon to know how long most people have the condition. Dr. Paller says it can last 10 to 14 days. Some patients have COVID toes for months.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology