Recently, the Spanish General Council of Official Podiatrist Colleges has reported new symptoms of COVID-19 that appear in people suspected of the infection in addition to the previously known ones.
Till now, the coronavirus pandemic has impacted nearly all countries around the world with more than one million confirmed cases. The death toll of the infection is also increasing day by day with the United States and Italy having the highest rate.
According to health experts, COVID-19 is more likely to spread via asymptomatic cases. This is because people who do not have signs of the infection are more likely to head outdoors and engage in their usual activities.
On the other hand, people who have visible symptoms including the most commonly known dry coughing and flu have been observed to stay at home and quarantine themselves as well as limit contact with their own families.
In addition to coughing and flu, a number of studies from different parts of the world have also highlighted other symptoms that may appear in some cases including having continuous diarrhea or upset stomach.
However, these symptoms are also associated with certain factors including the age group of the person experiencing the signs. For instance, digestive issues and diarrhea are more likely to appear in middle-aged to older adults.
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While younger people may also have similar signs, the researchers have noted that the vast majority of the cases with them are of older age groups.
Now, the report from the Spanish General Council of Official Podiatrist Colleges accentuates another symptom observed commonly in young adults and teenagers who are suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.
Health workers have recently noticed that people with the infection have lesions on their feet. In their statement, the lesions are explained in the words “They are purple lesions (very similar to those of chickenpox, measles or chilblains) which usually appear on the toes and normally heal without leaving a mark.”
Podiatrists and dermatologists have stated that it was an unexpected finding that was observed in several patients of COVID-19, usually kids and teenagers from France, Italy, and Spain.
The health experts and researchers are not sure why lesions form in the coronavirus infection as it has recently been discovered. However, since there have been multiple instances where they are found in patients, it is suggested that people look out for them.
They add that “The Council of Podiatrists urges its Colleges and its members to be very vigilant because this may be a sign of COVID-19 detection that can help to avoid contagion.”
Since the lesions are more commonly found in children and teenagers, it is especially recommended that parents and caretakers check for the sign and report immediately to a health facility if lesions are found.
Though there is a lack of scientific evidence to officially declare lesions on the feet as an official coronavirus symptom, experts emphasize that it is better to stay cautious.
The symptom was noticed after a case of a thirteen years old boy was seen to have lesions on his feet. Initially, the doctor thought the lesions developed due to insect or spider bites. However, a few days later, the boy began to display symptoms of COVID-19 and tested positive for the infection.
This is why it is better to report to a doctor even if lesions appear in the feet. In the majority of the cases, lesions begin to form before other known symptoms like coughing and sneezing show.
Therefore, checking for lesions can help detect the infection in its asymptomatic stage and stop any further spread.
