Are your toes red and swollen? Let's learn about these 'COVID Toes'?

Do you think that when you get COVID, you only get fever, cough, and cold? In fact, that's the case for many people. But sometimes, especially during the COVID pandemic, some people develop a very strange symptom that no one talks about much. That is, the toes or fingers suddenly swell and change color. Doctors even gave this a name - " COVID Toes". So let's talk about this in a little more detail today.

Why do these 'Covid fingers' occur?

To be honest, we still haven't found a 100% definitive reason for this. It's a bit complicated. Because sometimes people who tested negative for COVID have also experienced this type of swelling in their fingers. And people who tested positive have also experienced this condition.

However, there are several things that doctors and researchers think may cause this:

• Immune system response: Simply put, when the coronavirus enters the body, our body's immune system starts to fight it. This response can be a bit more severe in some people. It is believed that this over-reaction can damage the tiny blood vessels in the body, especially those in the fingertips, causing swelling and discoloration.
• Effect on blood vessels: We know that the coronavirus directly affects the blood vessels in our body. This effect can disrupt blood circulation in the fingers, causing symptoms like these.
• Activation of another virus: Sometimes, due to Covid infection, another virus that has been dormant (as if sleeping) in our body can suddenly become active. That may also be a reason for this.
• A reaction to medication: This condition can also occur as a reaction to some medications taken for Covid.

What are the symptoms of 'Covid fingers'?

When this condition occurs, you may notice these changes in one or more fingers on your hand or foot. At first, the fingers may appear bright red, then gradually turn purple. If you have dark skin, you may see purple or brown-purple spots along with the swelling.

Most people don't feel any pain or itching. They only notice this change when they look at their fingers by chance. But some people may experience other symptoms along with this swelling.

Who is most likely to develop this condition?

Although it can affect anyone of any age, it is most common in children, young adults, and adults . According to the American Academy of Dermatology, many young people with 'Covid fingers' generally appear healthy. They also don't show many of the common COVID symptoms, such as fever and cough. If they do, they are often mild.

Are 'Covid fingers' contagious?

This is a question that many people ask. The truth is, COVID is contagious. However, there is no guarantee that someone who has COVID and has 'COVID toes' will infect another person, or that the other person will also develop 'COVID toes'. The condition in these toes is a response to the virus, not a direct infection.

However, if you suspect you have 'Covid fingers' or have any other COVID symptoms, stay home immediately. Call your doctor.Ask if you need to get tested for COVID. This is especially important if you haven't had the COVID vaccine, or if anyone in your household has not.

What are the treatments for this?

The good news is that this condition, known as 'Covid fingers' , often resolves on its own without any treatment. The swelling and discoloration will go away within a few weeks to a month or two.

However, if things like itching or pain bother you, you can control those symptoms.

• You can use a topical cream like hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching or pain.
• But if that doesn't help, or if the condition of your fingers seems to be getting worse, don't waste any time and see your family doctor. If necessary, he or she will refer you to a dermatologist.

Are these 'Covid fingers'? Or is it something else?

There is another condition that looks very similar to 'Covid toes'. It is called chilblains . This is caused by exposure to cold weather. Think of it as standing barefoot on wet, cold ground for a while, or being exposed to extreme cold. This is different from frostbite.

Because of these similarities, if you have a symptom like this, the best thing to do is see a doctor to find out exactly what it is.

Other skin problems that can be caused by Covid

Although the main symptoms of COVID are cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, some people may also experience other skin problems. For example:

• A patchy rash
• Itchy bumps
• Chickenpox-like blisters
• Small, round spots on the skin surface
• A ``lace-like pattern'' appearance on the skin
• Raised bumps and flat spots appear together

These things don't have to be caused by Covid, they can also be caused by other diseases. Therefore, the safest thing to do is to seek medical advice.