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‘Covid toe’ may be side-effect of immune response, says study

Researchers behind the study, which has been published in the British Journal of Dermatology, examined 50 participants with the condition and 13 with similar chilblains lesions that arose before the pandemic. They found one mechanism behind both types of the condition involved the body generating an immune response with high levels of certain autoantibodies, which mistakenly target and react with a person’s own cells and tissues as well as the invading virus. They also found an overlap with type I interferon, a key protein in the antiviral response.

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 Study reveals why some people get Covid toe condition

Scientists believe they can explain why some people who catch Covid develop chilblain-like lesions on their toes and even fingers. Covid toe appears to be a side effect of the body switching into attack mode to fight off the virus. The researchers say they have pinpointed the parts of the immune system that appear to be involved.

 “COVID toes”: A true viral phenomenon or a diagnosis without a leg to stand on?

“COVID toes” is the colloquial name of chilblain-like lesions thought to be a sequela of COVID-19 infection. Over two years and approximately 300 publications later, this association remains controversial.

Articles of Interest

Mysterious wave of COVID toes still has scientists stumped

Puffy, red-purple, and sometimes painful toes were one of the odder symptoms seen early in the pandemic. But experts are debating their cause—and whether COVID-19 is even to blame.

Powerful Immune System Response May Be Behind ‘Covid Toes’

A new study brings doctors closer to understanding the mysterious frostbite-like lesions on patients’ toes and fingers.

Unmasking the Enigma of the COVID Toe

In 2020, the world encountered a new infection known as COVID-19. As a result, people started experiencing various COVID manifestations, aftereffects, and sequelae, one of which is the COVID toe, a rather uncommon presentation. Chilblain-like lesions, commonly referred to as 'COVID toe' due to their high occurrence on toes and fingers, can develop in any age group but are most commonly seen in younger adults.

We might finally know what causes 'COVID toes'

It turns out that the frostbite-like rashes that appear on a person's toes after they catch COVID-19 may be a sign of a runaway immune response in which the body attacks its own tissues, a new study finds.

Are ‘COVID toes’ actually caused by the coronavirus?

Study adds to evidence suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection doesn’t cause an inflamed-toe condition called chilblains, but it doesn’t close the door.

Coronavirus: 'Covid toe' and other rashes puzzle doctors

Five rashes, including Covid toe, are affecting some hospital patients diagnosed with Covid-19, a small study by Spanish doctors has found. The rashes tended to appear in younger people and lasted several days. It is not uncommon for a rash to be a symptom of a virus, such as the spots that indicate chicken pox. But the researchers said they were surprised to see so many varieties of rash with Covid-19.

COVID Toes and Chilblains

Chilblains, also known as pernio, are painful, swollen papules (small, solid bumps) that appear on exposed skin such as the fingers, nose, or toes in cold, damp weather. A rash called “COVID toes” (pseudo-chilblains), which can occur in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is similar in appearance. Like typical chilblains, it can appear on the fingers as well as the toes.

What are "COVID toes?"

Anecdotal reports are emerging of patients with COVID-19 presenting with purplish patches on their toes. Sometimes, these findings are the only sign of otherwise asymptomatic COVID-19, and sometimes they are the initial presenting sign in advance of fever and upper respiratory symptoms.

What Is ‘Covid Toe’? Maybe a Strange Sign of Coronavirus Infection

Scientists are just beginning to study the phenomenon, but so far chilblain-like lesions appear to signal, curiously enough, a mild or even asymptomatic infection. They may also develop several weeks after the acute phase of an infection is over.

‘COVID toes’ were likely not caused by COVID-19, in most cases

In the midst of the pandemic, an unusual number of patients began reporting the red, itchy toes that are the hallmark of chilblains. Many initially assumed it was a symptom of COVID-19. But new research from Kaiser Permanente suggests the increase in chilblains was more likely related to behavior changes that occurred during the pandemic — not the coronavirus.