A new study sheds light on why certain people develop Covid toe

Some people who contract Covid suffer chilblain-like sores on their toes and even fingers, according to scientists. Covid toe appears to be an unintended consequence of the body’s move to attack mode in order to combat the virus.

The researchers claim to have identified the immune system components that appear to be involved. The findings, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, could aid in the development of medicines to alleviate the symptoms.

It can strike anyone at any age, but it is most frequent in children and teenagers.

It may be mild for some, but for others, the rash can be exceedingly painful and itchy, with acute blisters and swelling.

Sofia, a 13-year-old Scottish girl, was scarcely able to walk or put on shoes when she was diagnosed with Covid toe earlier this year. The damaged skin, which generally affects the toes but can also affect the fingers, can appear red or purple. Some patients get unpleasant raised lumps or rough skin patches. It’s also possible that there’ll be pus. “

Some people have it for months, while others only experience it for a few weeks. These new findings, based on blood and skin testing, reveal that two immune system components may be involved.

Both involve the body’s defence mechanisms against the coronavirus.

Type 1 interferon is an antiviral protein, whereas type 2 interferon is an antibody that attacks the person’s own cells and tissues instead of the invading virus.

According to the researchers from the University of Paris, France, cells lining small blood veins supplying the damaged areas are also implicated. Covid-related skin disorders can occur a long time after an acute infection and in patients who have no other symptoms, so the virus’s presence is sometimes overlooked.