Foot Sores Could Be Early Sign Of COVID-19, Experts Warn

Foot lesions similar to those observed in chickenpox or measles cases were found among some COVID-19 patients, according to experts, who claimed it could be an early sign of the disease.

"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," the Spanish General Council of Official Podiatrist Colleges explained in a statement.

According to the group, there has been an increase in the detection of these marks among coronavirus patients in Italy, Spain and France. Although it was mostly found among the younger patients, some adults also had them.

"The Council wants to convey a message of reassurance to parents and possible victims, given the benign nature of the lesions, and to remember that they should monitor the appearance of the other clinical symptoms characteristic of COVID-19, such as cough, fever, respiratory distress, etc.," the Spanish General Council of Official Podiatrist Colleges said.

The group's warning came just as the International Federation of Podiatrists released a report regarding a 13-year-old boy who complained of foot sores March 8, initially thinking that it was a spider bite. Two days later, the boy developed a 38.5 degree fever, muscle pains, headache and intense itching and burning of the foot lesions.

The doctors later learned the boy's mother and sister were also experiencing fever and cough about six days before his foot lesions appeared.

"The suspicion of COVID-19 was therefore also raised for the boy," the authors of the case study wrote. "Unfortunately, it has not yet been possible to confirm the suspicion of COVID-19 due to the emergency situation present at this time in Italy."

According to the authors, reports of similar lesions have been confirmed throughout Italy after the first reports of it in asymptomatic children appeared last March 29. In fact, a few dozen cases have been reported in a single week, and new cases were being reported everyday.

However, both the Spanish General Council of Official Podiatrist Colleges and the International Federation of Podiatrists note the lack of scientific studies on the matter, particularly given the emergency situation in the places where the lesions were reported.

That said, both were calling their colleagues in the field to remain alert for these lesser-known symptoms, especially since many younger COVID-19 patients do not present the other obvious symptoms of the disease.

"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 the spread," the Spanish General Council of Official Podiatrist Colleges said.

"If further observations and laboratory data will confirm that we are facing a clinical sign of COVID-19, this dermatological sign could be useful for identifying children and adolescents with minimal forms of infection, but potential sources of further infection," the authors of the case study wrote.