By now we are all very aware of the symptoms to look out for COVID, however, did you know this can also affect our feet? This symptom quickly adopted the phrase “Covid toes” and is a genuine symptom of the virus.
What Do COVID Toes Look Like?
Lesions may look similar to a rash, chickenpox, chilblains, or small purple lesions.
Furthermore, swelling, redness, or itchiness may occur in the feet and toes. This is due to inflammation of the smaller blood vessels in our toes, known as vasculitis.
These symptoms may last for 10 to 14 days, with swelling lasting up to a few months in some cases.
Treatments to alleviate COVID Toes:
Swelling: Compression stockings of 20mmHg can reduce swelling, as can elevating the legs for 30 minutes four times a day and staying off your feet. (please ensure you have sufficient blood circulation before wearing compression stockings as these are contraindicated in those with reduced blood supply).
Pain: Panadol or Nurofen can be taken.
Itching: Oral antihistamines such as Zyrtec can help.
If you notice these rashes on your feet and may suspect COVID, please get a test. Do not attend your podiatry appointment until you have obtained a negative test result.
Telehealth Appointments:
A telehealth appointment with your podiatrist is available to assist you if a face-to-face is not appropriate.
Telehealth appointments are an effective way to meet with your podiatrist from the comfort of your own home.
Online consults will assist you to understand your condition. It will help you know what is happening and how you can treat it, without even leaving your house.
please note:
The presence of a foot rash alone does not necessarily indicate if you have coronavirus. Skin rashes that appear on the feet and toes have a variety of causes. Covid toes are not a common symptom of the coronavirus but an important one to look out for. The most common symptoms of the coronavirus include runny nose, shortness of breath, dry cough, fatigue and fever.
If you suspect you have the coronavirus, contact the 24 hour Covid hotline at 1800 675 398 and get tested.
