What are 'COVID Toes'?

At Goldsmith Podiatry, some of our Manhattan patients have started hearing about a condition being called “COVID toes.” As with much of what we know about the coronavirus, information about this skin condition that may appear on the feet and hands of patients who test positive for the disease is just emerging and leaves many unanswered questions. Below is some information about COVID toes.

What is it?

COVID toes is a dermatologic rash that affects the skin on the tips, tops, or pads of the toes and sometimes on the sides of the feet. It is characterized by:

·         Red/purplish/blue lesions

·         Possibly raised

·         Bumps may be painful

·         Burning sensation or soreness may also be present

Doctors and scientists are not clear on what causes COVID toes. There is some belief that it may have to do with the extensive inflammation the disease brings to the body, or new evidence that COVID may also cause blood clotting issues.

Who gets it?

Again, research is in only preliminary stages, and much of the information that’s coming in now is more anecdotal than the result of actual studies. Some evidence shows that COVID toes are seen more often in children or young adult patients that test positive for the virus. It also appears that often COVID toes develop in patients that have only mild or no other symptoms of COVID 19. The condition usually clears up in a week to 10 days on its own.

What to do?

It’s important not to panic or leap to conclusions if you notice a rash on your toes. There are several other reasons why a rash may develop, including a fungal infection or reaction to a medication you are taking. If you notice anything unusual about your toes, contact our Upper West Side office by calling: (212) 877-1002 so that our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith or Dr. Rosanna Troia, can evaluate your condition and determine the appropriate action to take.