What Are COVID Toes?

July 16, 2020 • • foot caretoe pain

A previously-unknown symptom of the novel coronavirus appears to affect the feet and toes. Here’s what we know about COVID toes. As the medical community grapples with the novel coronavirus outbreak, a possible new symptom of the disease has emerged. Although the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are shortness of breath, fever, sore throat, cough, and loss of taste or smell, a small number of patients have reported a phenomenon called “COVID toes.”  Seen mostly in children and younger people, COVID toes are marked by a swelling of the toes accompanied by red or purple bumps. The lesions look similar to chilblains — scaly raised patches that appear on fingers and toes during the winter months. In the case of COVID toes, doctors believe the condition is linked to the virus, but aren’t sure whether it’s a widespread symptom of the infection.

What Causes COVID Toes?

COVID toes are the body’s response to a viral infection. In similar viruses such as measles, people develop skin rashes; COVID toes may be a similar side effect of the coronavirus. Another possible explanation is that the swollen toes are caused by minuscule blood clots in the tiny blood vessels of the feet, which again might be a reaction to inflammation stemming from the virus.  Doctors in Spain, Italy, Belgium have reported cases of patients with sores on the soles of their feet, toes, and Achilles’ heels. However, they weren’t able to attribute the lesions to the virus, as the patients seemed generally healthy and testing for coronavirus wasn’t widespread at the time. From what is known so far, COVID toes indicate a person has had a less severe infection from the virus and will experience a full recovery. Patients with COVID toes typically have had only a mild case of the coronavirus, or were asymptomatic. Because their immune systems were strong, they were able to clear the virus without suffering the most serious form of the disease. Nevertheless, their bodies went into overdrive to fight off the virus, with COVID toes a benign manifestation of that immune response. The bumps may also develop after the infection has passed.  COVID-19 toes usually diminish within a few weeks and rarely require medical treatment. To manage pain and itching, patients can use pain reducers, antihistamines, or topical steroid creams. 

What Should You Do If You Notice COVID Toes?

If you notice red bumps on your toes or soles of your feet, but don’t have any other significant symptoms of the coronavirus, don’t go to the emergency room where you could pick up an infection. Check in your primary care physician or a foot specialist for an exact diagnosis. At that time, he or she will likely recommend you get tested for the coronavirus if you have had or are experiencing other symptoms of the virus.

We’re Open

Alamitos-Seal Beach Podiatry Group is now open for patient care. We’re taking all precautions to ensure your safety during the coronavirus pandemic. If you are suffering foot or ankle pain, we will help diagnose and treat your condition. Contact us today for an appointment.

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Fill out the form below to reach Alamitos – Seal Beach Podiatry Group, or call Los Alamitos: (562) 203-6151 or Seal Beach: (562) 242-1559 for immediate assistance.











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