A group of Spanish doctors is investigating a possible new symptom of the coronavirus COVID-19.
The Spanish General Council of Official Podiatrist Colleges released a statement last Thursday saying that lesions on the feet could potentially be a sign of the virus.
The professional body said they had come across several sick patients who had lesions on their feet.
The patients were mainly children and young people, although a few were adults.
"These are purple-coloured lesions (very similar to those of chickenpox, measles or chilblains) that usually appear around the toes and that usually heal without leaving marks on the skin," the statement read.
The medical body said "numerous cases" of coronavirus patients with foot lesions have been found in Italy, France and Spain.
While the group warned that because of the short time period "scientific evidence cannot be discussed yet", it urged podiatrists to be vigilant to the possible symptoms.
"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 statement read.
"The Council wants to convey a message of calm 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."
The statement comes after the International Federation of Podiatrists published an article about one of the first cases with this symptom.
On March 8 a 13-year-old boy developed lesions on his foot which were first thought to be caused by a spider bite. The teen was later diagnosed with COVID-19 after developing symptoms.
What we know about coronavirus:
Coronavirus is primarily spread through droplets in the air after someone sneezes or coughs. However, it can also be contracted by touching surfaces where the illness is present, according to the World Health Organization. The length of time the virus stays alive on surfaces is unknown at this stage, but some viruses can remain active for days.
The WHO was first informed of cases of the virus in Wuhan on December 31. It was identified as a coronavirus on January 7 and can spread through human-to-human transmission.
"Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death," the WHO says.
"Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing."
There is currently no vaccine for the sickness.
How can I protect myself?
- avoid touching the mouth, nose and eyes with unwashed hands
- washing your hands before eating
- carrying a hand sanitiser at all times
- being particularly mindful of touching your face after using public transport or going to the airport
- carry tissues at all times to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing (then dispose of it)
- not eating shared or communal food
- avoiding shaking hands, kissing cheeks
- regularly cleaning and sanitise commonly used surfaces and items, such as phones and keys
- avoiding close contact with people suffering from or showing symptoms of acute respiratory infection
- seeking medical attention if you feel unwell.
A full explainer on protecting yourself from coronavirus can be found here.
