All You Need to Know about COVID Toe Symptoms & Treatment
The COVID-19 pandemic has completely turned the healthcare facilities of the world upside down as doctors and medical health experts are toiling endlessly to treat and take care of patients who have been affected by this deadly virus. Among the various symptoms that have been noted so far in relation to this virus, one that gave rise to a lot of serious discussions and debate is COVID Toe. COVID Toe is one of the most bizarre symptoms that have been associated with corona virus and it has been observed mostly in younger people, though not exclusively. People with COVID Toe often do not exhibit other symptoms or even if they do, their intensity is much less.
While most doctors are still dealing with this health crisis, they are trying to understand the nature of corona virus symptoms. Doctors have found that COVID Toe usually heals without many long-term health complications. In certain cases where a patient does not have any other visible symptoms, the presence of COVID Toe indicates that the person has COVID-19. COVID Toe is associated with the ischemia of toes and fingers wherein there is reduced flow of blood in these areas. This leads to the development of purplish or reddish lesions on the toes and fingers. This can lead to a lot of pain and even cause tissue death unless it is treated at the earliest possible instance. The symptoms of COVID Toe are often linked with chilblains which are similar lesions that commonly appear during the month of winter.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, doctors often found chilblains in patients during the colder months. However, in the last few months and weeks, numerous patients have been found to be affected by COVID Toe. Many of these patients have never had chilblains before. In many countries, COVID Toe has not yet been officially declared as a symptom of coronavirus infection. Even though it is way too early to deduce any official conclusions, doctors believe that patients who have COVID Toe normally have a better functioning immune system and as a result they would probably be fine in the long run. The lesions that develop due to COVID Toe are typically painful with an itchy or burning sensation. They can also involve the presence of bumps.
It is still too early to develop a detailed medical protocol for the treatment of COVID Toe. Many doctors have likened the condition with perniosis which involves an abnormal and critical reaction to cold weather wherein inflammations impact the body’s small blood cells. Many doctors now treat COVID Toe by warming the affected areas and applying medications like oral calcium channel blockers and topical steroids. In many cases, the symptoms of COVID Toe get resolved on their own without further treatments. It is important to mention that the doctors are still trying to understand this condition as well as other symptoms associated with COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are experiencing symptoms, our Podiatric Consultants can help you to manage Covid Toe.