Can you get chilblains from COVID-19?

Chilblains may be associated with COVID-19. During the pandemic, there have been reports of patients developing symptoms similar to chilblains, often referred to as “COVID toe” or “COVID toes.”

COVID-19 can trigger a strong immune response that causes inflammation in small blood vessels, which can lead to symptoms similar to chilblains. This inflammation can lead to redness, swelling, and painful skin lesions on the toes and sometimes fingers. SARS-CoV-2 can damage the endothelial cells of blood vessels, which can lead to microvascular dysfunction and subsequently to symptoms similar to chilblains.

Symptoms of COVID toe include redness, swelling, and sometimes blistering of the toes and feet. These symptoms can occur on both COVID-19 positive and negative tests, suggesting that it may be a reaction to the virus or an immune response. The symptoms can last for weeks to months and are often self-limiting, meaning they can resolve without specific treatment.

Although chilblains are traditionally associated with exposure to the cold, there have been reports of similar symptoms in people infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. These “COVID toe” cases are likely the result of an inflammatory response or microvascular dysfunction caused by the virus.

Source: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2767775

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-05-01 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024