COVID Toes and Rashes

Posted by jeindc @jeindc, 2 days ago

This article https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/covid-toes was sent to me. The rash sounds like mine -- tho' it's never been specifically diagnosed as part of my long COVID journey except that it started with COVID in March 2023. Two ER visits, 1 derm and multiple PCP visits got nowhere. With the rash was swelling of both legs tho' the rash was only on my right. A 2 hour ultrasound showed no specific cause of lymphedema. Another doc diagnosed lipedema tho' I think that too is wrong - my left leg is no longer swollen nor are either of my feet. The rash continues.

Yes, too, COVID toes tho' podiatrists seem unaware of this. And I've been numerous times for the redness and discomfort.

The good news: they ARE discovering more and these two are part of that. The "meh" news is that too few doctors are looking at what else besides breathing issues are impacted.

Posting in case others hadn't seen and to see if others who may be new to the group have experienced.

Thanks always to those who continue to be here supporting each other.
JE

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

celia16 | @celia16 | 1 day ago

I had covid toe twice, skin rashes and hair loss. Doing better though. Hope yours does too.

jeindc | @jeindc | 17 hours ago

In reply to @celia16 "I had covid toe twice, skin rashes and hair loss. Doing better though. Hope yours does..." + (show)

Thanks, @celia16 . If willing, how long did you have the skin rashes? And on what part/s of your body? Did anything help? Did they totally go away? Did the rash only happen once and did it go away on its own?

I had an echocardiogram yesterday and, as the cardiologist wrote, my heart is NORMAL. (Yes, in all caps!) So still no explanation for symptoms that jibe with what I have, one doctor soooo far off.

It's odd, perhaps, to "wish" the symptoms were from something identifiable. I have still so many and they do not appear to be disappearing. I too hope one day....

Thanks again.
JE

celia16 | @celia16 | 15 hours ago

In reply to @jeindc "Thanks, @celia16 . If willing, how long did you have the skin rashes? And on what..." + (show)

Ref. the rashes. Most of them appeared right after covid did. I already had psoriasis, but they were not psoriasis. They were mainly on my arms and legs. Usually, one limb at a time. Sometimes it itched and was very red. Other times it looked like a big bruise that appeared abruptly. And, I don’t bruise easy. I also got covid toe twice with an oval plum colored spot on my big toe. I had no trauma to the toe. It didn’t hurt at all. I didn’t have swelling like you did, All of that left after about 10 months. I can’t be sure it was due to covid. It’s my belief though.

My ENT diagnosed my post covid syndrome due to smell/taste disorder. I also had Vitamin B12 deficiency that I continue to treat. I also had nasal congestion, hair loss, insomnia and some nerve/sensation issues. Most have improved. I would say it’s difficult to know the cause of my ailments. I consider it could be anxiety, post covid, vitamin deficiency or something else. I just try to use good nutrition, exercise and treat the symptoms. It can be frustrating. I read some people are seeking treatment at post covid treatment centers.

jeindc | @jeindc | 13 hours ago

In reply to @celia16 "Ref. the rashes. Most of them appeared right after covid did. I already had psoriasis, but..." + (show)

Thank you so much for details. What's fascinating, if I were a scientist and not living with this, @celia16 , is how our symptoms can be similar and dissimilar at the same time. My rash also appeared when about the middle of COVID (I was "+" for 10 days) but I couldn't go to ER or my doc til I was negative. I have lovely photos of stages. And the swelling. It's all my right side tho' in 2020 I had a rash on both upper arms which has lead the ID specialist to believe that I had COVID contracted on a trip March 9-12 2020, and that the second time in 2023 exacerbated whatever caused it. Now it won't leave.

I was already on D and B supplements. My blood work shows Epstein Barr that was recently active and now is "in remission" - tho' no one has bothered to explain it all. It is simply exhausting!

Other than 6-8 different salves for the rash (none of which changed it), compression wraps (ditto - no change), antibiotic for what the ENT said was sinus congestion (it didn't change anything) and hearing loss (have hearing aids - and if I'm repeating myself, apologies - and various mouth rinses for the 'rash' in my mouth that comes and goes w/ no obvious cause and my dentist and others have no clue... I guess I'm fortunate to be alive tho' at home. Able to work til Dec. 2024 (I have a consultancy and have had it for almost 44 years) I've had to give up work bec I just don't have energy.

I want someone to study me! No trials around this area.

Here's to us!
JE

celia16 | @celia16 | 12 hours ago

In reply to @jeindc "Thank you so much for details. What's fascinating, if I were a scientist and not living..." + (show)

My goodness you sure have been through it! Ref. My skin issues…nothing helped it not even cortisone. I did see some improvement in most of my symptoms when I went on a course of antibiotics. Saline nasal spray has helped. So…..idk. I am grateful to be in much better condition than many people who post. Please post if you find some answers.