"Toes Swell and Blue Spots Appear on Skin"…Cause of 'Corona Toes' Identified

A foot experiencing the symptom known as 'Covid Toe.' / Photo by pediatric specialist Dawn Wahezi, captured from Twitter

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] The cause of 'Covid toe,' known as one of the aftereffects of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), has been identified.

'Covid toe' refers to a condition where toes become red and swollen or develop red or blue spots on the skin after being infected with COVID-19. It mainly affects children and is known to be an aftereffect that usually disappears on its own.

On the 6th, the BBC reported that researchers at the University of Paris in France analyzed the cause of Covid toe by comparing 50 individuals suspected of having Covid toe symptoms since last spring with 13 individuals who showed similar chilblain-like symptoms unrelated to COVID-19.

The researchers explained, "Covid toe occurs when interferons, antiviral proteins produced by animal cells during viral infection, combine with antibodies that attack not only the invading virus but also the body's own cells and tissues, stimulating the capillaries in the toes."

In other words, it is an aftereffect caused by the body's response to fight the COVID-19 virus.

Meanwhile, 'Covid toe' became a topic of interest last year when a Scottish girl appeared on BBC's The Nine and revealed her symptoms. Sophia, now 13 years old, had previously expressed difficulties wearing shoes and walking normally due to COVID-19 infection.