According to a study, Covidtoe, a skin condition called Covidtoe, may be an unforeseen side effect of the immune system's response to the virus.
This symptom causes chilblain-like inflammation, redness on the hands or feet, and can sometimes last for several months. It usually develops within one to four weeks after being infected. Sometimes, it can cause swelling or change in the colour of fingers and toes.
The study was published in the British Journal of Dermatology. It involved 50 patients with the condition, and 13 people with similar chilblains lesion types that existed before the pandemic.
One mechanism responsible for both types of the condition was the body's immune response to high levels of autoantibodies. These antibodies mistakenly target and respond with the invading viruses as well as with the cells and tissues of the individual. They also discovered a overlap with type I Interferon, which is a key protein in antiviral responses.
The immune system is not the only factor that causes Covid toes or chilblains. Cells in blood vessels that supply the affected area also play a crucial role.
Charles Cassius, the senior author of this study, stated that the research helped to better understand the condition. Published research has extensively examined the epidemiology and clinical features associated with chilblain-like lesion. But, very little information is available about the pathophysiology. This study offers new insights.
After patients from several countries reported Covidtoe, it was suggested that this condition might not have been recognized as an infection.
On the hands or fingers, there were red or purple lesions. The European Journal of Pediatric Dermatology published a report in May 2020 about an increase in cases among Italian children and teens. It stated that it was not like other coronavirus rashes.
Asymptomatic children and teens were suffering from acute, self-healing vasculitic lesion of the feet and hands. They wrote that these lesions were a novelty and led them to link the two more severe noveltys, Covid-19 and Acute Vasculitic Lesions of the Hands and Feet.
Dr Ivan Bristow, a UK podiatrist, agreed that the condition was similar to chilblains for most people. He said that some people may need to be treated with creams or other drugs. It will be easier to find new ways to treat it.
Dr Veronique Bataille is a consultant dermatologist who spoke on behalf of the British Skin Foundation. She said that Covid toe was more common during the initial phase of the pandemic but less in the current Delta variant.
She suggested that this could be due to more people getting vaccinated, or protection against Covid from previous infections. Presentations after vaccination are rarer.
