Covid toes, purple lesions on the feet could be a new symptom of covid

The COVID-19 outbreak has now caused more than three million cases worldwide and hundreds of people have died. The virus that attacks the respiratory system, in fact, continues to develop new symptoms that are rarely realized by the public. One of the new COVID-19 symptoms is COVID toes or purple or red lesions on the toes and hands.

What are COVID toes and why do they occur?

COVID toes, purple lesions are a new symptom of COVID-19

Since the coronavirus outbreak began, you may often read or hear news about this pandemic which is quite disturbing.

One of the news that often comes up is the uncommon symptom of COVID-19. Starting from red eyes to loss of the ability to smell and taste.

Initially, COVID-19 displayed symptoms similar to those of respiratory disease. Starting from fever, dry cough, to shortness of breath. However, over time many countries have reported that some of their citizens are experiencing new symptoms that they may not be aware of.

One of these symptoms is known as COVID toes, which is the presence of purple or red lesions on the patient's toenails.

The news about the COVID toes comes from a press release in Spain that reveals that many positive patients, especially children and young people, have small lesions on their feet.

These lesions are usually purple in color and appear around the tips of the toes. However, these symptoms can heal without leaving marks on the skin.

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Meanwhile, this case has actually been reported by the International Federation of Podiatrists who show similar symptoms.

Experts reported that a 13 year old boy had lesions on both his legs. Two days later the child showed common symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, muscle aches and headaches.

In fact, these symptoms are accompanied by itching and burning sensations in the foot lesions, but never undergoing any tests related to COVID-19.

Yet other family members show common symptoms before the boy experiences the same signs. Finally, the lesions on this boy's feet started to get better within one week.

Although COVID-19 showing purple lesions on the toes has not been confirmed as a symptom of COVID-19, it doesn't hurt to be vigilant.

Causes of purple lesions (COVID toes)

COVID-19, which causes purple lesions on the toes, may never be a symptom of COVID-19. According to dr. Humberto Choi, MD, pulmonologist at Cleveland Clinic, new symptoms can appear based on the reaction of the infection in different ways.

Blockage of blood vessels in the legs

Both rashes and lesions on the toes are nothing new in the world of infection. He also revealed that this condition is quite common because the infected patient's body is battling the virus in it.

COVID toes may occur due to a skin reaction or caused by blockages or small clots in the blood vessels in the toes.

Previously, he had seen this condition in several patients in the ICU who experienced sepsis. These patients have blockages and show discoloration of their toes.

There is an immune response

Meanwhile, reported by Northwestern Medicine, a dermatologist named Amy Paller, MD explained this could also occur because of an immune response similar to pernio.

Pernio is the body's response to cold by involving constriction of small blood vessels.

Therefore, some doctors think that COVID toes, which causes purple lesions to occur as part of the inflammatory response to a viral infection.

Who is most at risk?

The cause of the appearance of lesions that are often purple or COVID toes as an uncommon symptom of COVID-19 is largely due to the immune system's reaction to a viral infection.

According to dr. Ted Lain, MD, a dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology to Health, this condition is more common in children and young adults. In fact, some of the patients infected with COVID-19 without symptoms also experience this condition.

This may be because this group has a stronger response and immune system. Purple lesions may also be a sign of why people who are younger and infected with COVID-19 experience milder symptoms than older people.

Although foot lesions can be a symptom of COVID-19, many experts emphasize that it is still very rare. If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 accompanied by a rash on your toes, you should immediately contact the nearest health care provider, just in case.