Covid symptoms: Professor says range should be expanded

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The main symptoms of COVID-19 have long been noted as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, and a loss or change to sense of smell or taste. But in a review paper recently uploaded to the Journal of Clinical Medicine, symptoms in the feet have been widely reported. One symptom observed in young adults and children is skin lesions, in particular, reddish purple nodes.

The review concluded 66.7 percent of these skin lesions are located on the torso, but 19/4 percent present on the hands and feet.

Also, almost three quarters of those with lesions presented this symptom in the seven days prior to a positive COVID-19 test and only 6 percent in the week following, with the lesions taking on average around ten days to heal.

Only in 12.5 percent of those with lesions did the symptom correspond with subsequent respiratory symptoms, suggesting they are indicative of a good prognosis.

Erythema pernio, also known as chilblains, have been frequently reported in younger individuals with mild Covid. The condition has also been given the moniker ‘Covid toes’.

But the reason behind its development is not yet apparent.

The review also noted amongst the child population, one of the most common vascular manifestations of COVID-19 is Kawasaki disease – a condition which often results in a rash, dry and cracked lips and red fingers or toes.

Exacerbated multi system inflammatory syndrome and edema in the lower limbs and feet are also seen in infants.

The most common observation was chilblains, which were correlated with other vascular conditions that COVID-19 is thought to cause – vasospasms and inflammation in the extremities, unrelated to cold or moisture.

Some researchers have suggested such skin manifestations may result from an epidemiological coincidence and not entirely from COVID-19.

But others have argued the heterogeneity observed amongst patients and across different areas of the body indicates a common cause.

Neurological symptoms in the lower limbs and feet have also been noted amongst COVID-19 patients, in particular, Guillain-Barré Syndrome in those aged over 60.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is considered a very rare and serious condition that affects the nerves.

It mainly affects the feet, hands and limbs, causing problems such as numbness, weakness and pain.

Before the pandemic, the average age of those suffering from the condition was 40.

Individuals with COVID-19 that have developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome exhibit more severe manifestations.

Muscle weakness caused by the condition presents a high fall risk in the elderly once developed.

But more studies into each of the less-discussed aspects of COVID-19 presentation are rare at this time, with the more acute critical symptoms taking precedence.

If you suspect symptoms of COVID-19:

1. Get a PCR test (test that is sent to a lab) to check if you have COVID-19 as soon as possible.
2. You and anyone you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.

If you’re worried about your symptoms or you’re not sure what to do, get help from NHS 111. 

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