In the last few months, coronavirus has spread to almost every country in this planet. As the number of cases have surged past six and half million, the spectrum of disease presentation has widened as well. India itself has witnessed a steep rise in number of positive cases with nearly 2.5 lakh positive patients. As the number of cases increase, we may witness a lot of unheard symptoms of COVID-19. Foot and ankle region is also affected by this disease in an uncommon, though rare manner. It is thus important for everyone to be more aware of these rare presentation of this unprecedented disease.

Before talking about rare symptoms, it is important for all of us to know what are the more common symtpoms of COVID-19 infection.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

So everyone wants clarity on the exact symptoms which can indicate possibility of being infected with novel Corona virus. The awareness of COVID symptoms can help people to get treatment at the right time. Some of the common symptoms that a person has and that may raise the suspicion of coronavirus are:

• Fever and cold
• Muscle pain
• Difficulty  in breathing
• Sore throat
• Loss of senses (to taste or to smell)
• Nausea
• Vomiting

But now a new term has been termed called COVID toes. Is it related to Coronavirus? Or it’s just a simple foot problem? Let’s explore the answers to such questions.

COVID Toes- a new mystery

According to a research conducted by doctors in Spain, there have been nearly 5 different patterns of rashes associated with COVID-19. The one rash that has got the most attention despite it not being the most common rash is “COVID toes”-  a foot problem similar to Chilblains. Chillblains is  an inflammation causing pain, redness and itchy swelling on the toes. Unlike, chilblains that occur in winters due to prolonged exposure to cold air, the rashes in coronavirus patients has no relation to exposure to cold. These can be seen as the first symptom of COVID-19 or can also be seen weeks after the more common symptoms have appeared.

COVID toes  are more common in younger people and can recover in a couple of weeks. According to experts, they are getting more patients complaining about the problem of lesions and inflammation of the toes because they are not able to walk correctly. Why these lesions develop is still an unsolved mystery and needs further research and investigation before coming to a conclusion.

Observations of COVID Toes

The most surprising observation in this study was various rashes caused by a single virus. Just like AIDS and syphilis, COVID-19 is called the New ‘Great Mimicker’ in view of numerous rashes associated with this disease. As these symptoms are not common and prevalent in COVID patients, it is not added in the list of common symptoms.  So right now, the symptoms of flu and respiratory problems are still considered as main symptoms. Despite being seen very often in Spain and US, COVID toes have not been seen in the patients in India.

So in case if you are experiencing rashes in foot or toes, then you should consider a visit to the doctor. Although this does not indicate that you are infected by Coronavirus, rashes can lead to difficulty in walking too. So getting medical advice will not harm in any way. So be wise as prevention is better than cure.