Experts have issued warnings about unusual symptoms that can be an early sign of Covid as cases are set to rise in the colder weather. Doctors and the Royal College of Podiatry have issued advice to look out for blistered feet or swelling and discolouration - known as 'Covid toes'
More often than not it's found among young people and children, according to the podiatry body. Covid toes appear as "chilblain like lesions", reports the Manchester Evening News.
The experts said: "Classic chillblains are defined as cold induced, erythematous or violaceous lesions accompanied by itching, oedema, pain or burning, blistering or ulceration. However, Covid led to a wave of perniosis associated without any cold exposure."
Clinical lead at online pharmacy, The Independent Pharmacy, Dr Donald Grant said: “Blistered feet (or Covid toes) are a rare symptom associated with coronavirus. In some cases, the virus can affect your skin causing discolouration and swelling around your toes.
"As Covid is still such a new virus the exact reason that this happens is not fully understood by virologists and dermatologists. The symptom, which can also affect your hands, results in blisters and the development of itchy painful bumps.
“Covid toes can appear at any age. That said, the symptom does seem most prevalent in children, teenagers, and young adults. The typical first signs of Covid toes are swelling and discolouration, firstly turning red and then purple as the condition progresses.
“If you spot the early signs of Covid toes, take a test. Positive tests for those who present these symptoms should be reported to a doctor as research into the phenomenon is ongoing. It seems coronavirus continues to surprise us over two years on.”
