The SARS-CoV-2 infection can trigger many symptoms, the most common ones being cough, fever, headaches, fatigue, and loss of taste and smell. However, other possible negative effects related to the infection include neurological complications and the Covid toe condition.
The Covid toe is a condition that happens when the body tries to attack the virus and stop it from infecting more cells. Some people suffer rashes, itchy and sore toes, and blisters or swelling. Fingers can also get affected and turn red or purple. A study published last month in the British Journal of Dermatology tried to determine what causes the body to create this severe reaction.
Teenagers and children are more likely to develop Covid toe
According to the study, this condition is more common in children and teenagers, connected to our immune system. Blood and skin tests pinpointed the mechanisms used by the body to fight the viral infection as the main culprits. The Investigators from the University of Paris, France, studied over 50 people with Covid toe and other 13 people, which had chilblains lesions before the pandemic began.
When the body detects an infection, type 1 interferon and a type of antibody are used by the body to fight the infected cells and tissues. Still, sometimes, this defense mechanism can also attack healthy cells. Because outbreaks of chilblain lesions have been reported, researchers determined that they are caused due to:
an activation loop in the skin in CLL associated with endothelial alteration and immune infiltration of cytotoxic and type I IFN-polarized cells leading to clinical manifestations.
How long does Covid toe last?
Most of the time, Covid toes go away after a couple of weeks, but the condition might last longer, even months. While most people do not need medical treatment, those who develop pus and struggle to walk might need to visit a medical provider to receive drugs and creams.