Covid-Toe: An unseen symptom of Coronavirus?

Dr. Lindy Fox, a dermatologist in San Francisco would previously have patients come in with painful red or purple lesions in the toes. (Also known as chilblains.)  However, after the coronavirus outbreak more and more patients who haven’t had toe lesions before, are filling the clinics.

“All of the sudden, we’re inundated with toes,” said Dr. Fox. She also claims that it's not even the time of year for chilblains and they usually appear in the winter.

Other hospitals such as Massachusetts General Hospital, says their clinic is also “filled with toes.” These lesions can be connected with yet another symptom of the virus. The most leading symptoms now are: shortness of breath, dry cough, loss sense of taste and smell, fever, etc.

However, health officials aren’t listing toe lesions as a symptom of the virus. But, many dermatologists are pressing that “Covid-toe” should be tested as a symptom and further research should take place.

These toe lesions cases are mostly found in children and young adults. Some experts even claim it could be a healthy immune response to the virus, but we are still unsure.

Although many have come forward with toe lesions in fear, the public is not to panic. Most patients with these lesions are doing well and recovering . However, in order for the public to gain more knowledge of the matter and declare this a symptom, more research must be done first.