What are some less common COVID-19 symptoms?

‘Covid toe’

Patients in several countries have reported rashes on their toes, resembling chilblains, in many cases unaccompanied by any of the usual symptoms of the virus. The condition has been dubbed “Covid toe”. The rashes can take the form of red or purple lesions and, despite the name, can be found on the side or sole of the foot, or even on hands and fingers.

Conjunctivitis/pink eye

Conjunctivitis has been a rare symptom in cases of Covid-19, with viral particles being found in tears. It is recognised that any upper respiratory tract infection may result in viral conjunctivitis as a secondary complication, and this is also the case with Covid-19. However, it is unlikely that a person would present with viral conjunctivitis secondary to Covid-19 without other symptoms of fever or a continuous cough.

Livedo or necrosis

A peer-reviewed Spanish study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology last week, found that 6% of the 375 coronavirus cases examined involved necrosis, the death of body tissue due to a lack of blood supply, or livedo, discolouration of the skin. The skin can become mottled and have purple or red patchy areas, which may appear in a lace-like pattern.

Dizziness/headaches

A study of 214 patients in China, published in Jama Neurology last month, found that just over a third (36.4%) had experienced neurological symptoms such as dizziness or headaches, increasing to 45.5% in those with severe coronavirus infections.

Tingling/fizzing sensation

Some patients have complained about a tingling, fizzing or even burning sensation. Our immune cells get activated so a lot of chemicals get released throughout our body and that can present or feel like there’s some fizzing.