Covid Coronavirus Toes

COVID-19 & Corona Virus Toes – Time to check your feet?

Could your toes be the first clue to you having Coronavirus?

Our Geelong podiatrists are paying close attention to the current COVID-19 health situation and have recently noticed the terms “COVID-19 toes” & “Coronavirus toes” popping up.

There are changes in colour of the toes that seem to appear in the early stages of the virus in children before any other symptoms

Geelong podiatrist, Robbie takes a closer look at what we know so far:

On the front line of COVID-19, US and Spanish healthcare workers are noticing changes in the appearance of the toes of some patients with Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The skin colour around the toes changes to a red to purple-ish blotchy discolouration, occasionally with changes to the feel of the skin.
It’s been noted mainly in children and young adults
The red marks are painful to touch and appear to be painful with changes in temperature. They seem to occur in the early stages of the virus, often before any other signs or symptoms of COVID-19 present. In some cases, this may be the only symptom that is present.

Reports from Europe and the US is that the presentation appears similar to Perniosis, often a precursor to Chilblains, where an inflammatory response takes place in the small blood vessels of the toes and is followed by a vascular reaction.

This is something that can also occur in severe flu cases.

It’s important to note that there are no conclusive studies or research at the time of writing to validate the presentation of COVID-19 Toes. We will need to wait and see further research before being able to provide further information on this symptoms of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, a dry cough, lethargy & shortness of breath), please consult with your health care professional immediately.

So what do our podiatrists recommend?

Check your feet & your children’s feet regularly.

If you have any concerns with the appearance of the toes or think it may be a case of COVID-19 toes just take a photo and

a. Send it into our Facebook page (www.facebook.com.au/GeelFootClinic)

Or

b. Email them through to robert@geelongfootclinic.com.au

As always, if you have any concerns with your feet, the team at Geelong Foot Clinic is to help, book an appointment at www.geelongfootclinic.com.au or call 5222 4020