In the past few days there have been some news reports about “COVID toes” or purplish lesions found at the end areas of toes that are painful and resolve within a week, leaving no residual mark or scarring.
These were initially reported in Spain by the General Council of Official Colleges of Podiatrists. Additionally the American Academy of Dermatology has set up a registry for physicians to report any potential dermatologic findings contributed to COVID 19.
The suspect lesions are typically being identified on younger individuals with the theory being that this population generally has a stronger immune system and that the lesions are the result of an immune response to the virus. This response it thought to be inflammatory throughout the body or in the blood vessel walls.
It is important to understand that having a change in coloration to the toes is not a diagnostic finding for Corona Virus and that any and all suspect lesions or change of appearance to the toes should be evaluated by your Podiatrist and treated appropriately. As always, if you do think you have or have been exposed to the Corona Virus, contact your medical physician for appropriate consultation.