Health Tips Category

Is It Worth Taking Allopurinol for the Rest of My Life Because I Have Gout?

August 22, 2023

Gout is a painful and common health problem that can severely affect the quality of life. Gout occurs when the body makes too many purines, or does not secrete enough purines, leading to an increase in uric acid levels in the blood. When uric acid levels are above normal, gout occurs, causing severe discomfort and potentially serious complications.

As revealed in x-rays, the head of the 1st metatarsal may fracture and displace dorsally in relation to the rest of the 1st metatarsal. In some unfortunate cases, a patient may ultimately need an amputation if the fracture is beyond surgical repair due to extensive bone erosion. However, such a drastic outcome can often be avoided if appropriate measures are taken. For example, if a patient had been taking Allopurinol since the first gout attack, this serious complication would not have occurred. Allopurinol is a medication designed to lower blood levels of uric acid, and by keeping uric acid levels within the normal range, it helps prevent the onset of gout.

Acute Phase of Gout

During the acute phase of gout, a person may wake up with extreme pain, redness, and swelling of a distal joint, making it difficult to walk. If untreated, gout can lead to debilitating long-term effects.

Long-Term Effects of Gout

If gout attacks occur frequently, every 6-12 months, the following long-term effects can develop:

1. Bone Erosion

Erosion of the bone may lead to fractures, as seen on x-rays where the head of the 1st metatarsal can fracture and displace dorsally.

2. Deposition of Tophi

Tophi, a thick white chalky substance, may deposit in and around the joint, leading to chronic pain.

3. Arthritis

Chronic pain may develop due to arthritis and tophi, and in extreme cases, even amputation may be necessary.

Treating Gout with Allopurinol

Allopurinol is a medication that helps lower blood levels of uric acid. If taken since the first gout attack, serious complications like bone erosion can be avoided. It is a key aspect of managing gout and preventing the distressing consequences associated with this condition.

How Dr. Elizabeth Auger Can Help

With her extensive experience and a strong commitment to patient well-being, Dr. Auger offers personalized treatment plans for gout tailored to individual needs. She emphasizes early intervention and appropriate treatment to prevent complications like fractures and amputations.

Underlying Causes of Neuropathy and Solutions

October 18, 2022

Peripheral nerves are responsible for sending sensory messages to the central nervous system, such as the message that your feet are cold or something you touched was hot. The central nervous system uses the peripheral nervous system to carry signals to the body’s extremities. For example, you want to raise your arm to wave, so your central nervous system sends a message to your peripheral nervous system to contract the muscles in your arm. However, there are many messages you aren’t aware of being transmitted constantly– your heartbeat and digestion are also controlled by the messages coming from your central nervous system. You can think of your nervous system as a computer network. If one cable is unplugged, the entire system can experience problems.

The pain, numbness, and loss of sensation associated with peripheral neuropathy can have many causes but are all marked by damage to the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is a network of nerves that transmits information from your brain and spinal cord, also known as your central nervous system, to the rest of your body and back. Some people inherit peripheral neuropathy from their parents, and others develop it later in life due to an injury, infection, or metabolic disorder. Certain conditions can lead to neuropathy, such as diabetes.

Disruption of nervous system signaling can happen in three different ways. You can experience a total loss of nerve signals, inappropriate timing of nerve signaling, or distorted nerve signaling.

What Are the Symptoms of Neuropathy?

Over 20 million people in the U.S. are estimated to have some form of neuropathy, but the exact number is unknown. Neuropathy is often misdiagnosed because it carries a wide range of symptoms that can be attributed to other ailments.

The symptoms of neuropathy are often related to the type of nerve and the severity of the damage. Motor nerve damage is usually associated with muscle weakness. Sensory nerve damage can cause various symptoms because sensory nerves have a broader range of functions. Autonomic nerve damage can cause excessive sweating, intolerance to heat, and inability to regulate blood pressure or gastrointestinal symptoms.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be experiencing neuropathy:

Numbness, prickling, or tingling in hands or feet.
A sharp, throbbing, or burning sensation.
Extreme sensitivity to touch.
Lack of coordination.
Pain during activities that should cause pain, such as pain in your feet upon standing.

What Are the Causes of Neuropathy?

Most people who have neuropathy were not born with the condition. Some of the most common reasons a person develops neuropathy include the following:

A physical injury from a car accident, fall, sports injury, or any other type of physical injury can cause nerve damage.
A result of diabetes. Diabetes can cause people to experience mild and severe nerve damage that can cause numbness or weakness in some body regions.
Vascular or blood problems that result from diabetes, smoking, or atherosclerosis.
Certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Certain cancers and benign tumors.
Chemotherapy drugs.
Infections. Viruses that cause chickenpox, shingles, and HIV can damage the central nervous system and cause neuropathic symptoms.
Nutritional or vitamin imbalances, such as Vitamins B-12 and B-6 deficiencies.
Alcoholism.
Exposure to toxins.

What Are the Treatments for Neuropathy?

The treatments available for neuropathy will depend on the type and location of the nerve damage and the symptoms you experience. Your doctor will explain how addressing the neuropathy’s causes is the best way to treat it because your nerves will recover and regenerate independently. Your doctor may suggest certain lifestyle changes, such as achieving a healthy weight, maintaining optimal nutrition, avoiding toxic exposures, quitting smoking, and correcting vitamin deficiencies.

Mechanical aids, such as braces or orthopedic shoes, can help to improve walking and prevent foot injuries. Medications are recommended for people who experience chronic pain due to neuropathy. Drugs used to treat depression, such as SSRIs, are often prescribed, and drugs that help with nerve cell signaling, such as those used for epilepsy.

Is There a Natural Treatment for Neuropathy?

Treatment for neuropathy symptoms depends entirely on the cause and usually focuses on reducing the pain and discomfort related to nerve damage. Physical therapy, surgery, and injections for increased nerve pressure are also available. Many wonder if natural treatments are available to help manage the symptoms of neuropathy and address the underlying cause.

The most effective way to treat the cause of neuropathy naturally is to address the lifestyle factors contributing to neuropathic pain. Regular exercise, eating a nutritious diet, and abstaining from smoking and drinking alcohol can allow your nerves to repair themselves, decreasing the pain you are feeling.

Herbal supplements can also be used to remedy neuropathy naturally. However, remember that dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA, meaning that any brand can claim its products are safe and effective. There is no substitute for the medical advice of your podiatrist or General Practitioner, and you should always seek their approval before starting any new medication.

Many herbal supplements claim that their combination of vitamins, minerals, and herbs can positively affect nerve health. Some of the most common substances used in these supplements are:

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), an antioxidant that protects your cells from oxidative stress.
B-Vitamins, such as Vitamin B-1, B-2, B-6, and B-12, are necessary for a healthy central nervous system. A deficiency in these vitamins can lead to neuropathy. Treatment that includes the correct amount of daily B vitamins has been shown to reduce some symptoms associated with neuropathy, particularly the “pins and needles” some patients experience.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an amino acid the body produces to turn fat into energy. This substance has been found helpful in reducing nerve pain.
Glutamine is also an amino acid shown to reduce neuropathy symptoms due to chemotherapy.
Magnesium is a critical mineral that is beneficial in reducing neuropathy pain for diabetes patients.

Talk to a Salt Lake City Podiatrist About Foot Pain Associated With Neuropathy

While natural remedies may have some success in relieving pain associated with neuropathy, you should consult with your doctor before starting any new treatment method.

Dr. Elizabeth Auger is a foot and ankle specialist in Salt Lake City that can help treat the pain you are experiencing associated with neuropathy. She has over 20 years of experience helping patients achieve their wellness goals through holistic, patient-centered care. If you are in pain due to neuropathy caused by diabetes or any other condition, contact Dr. Auger today for an evaluation of your condition and a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

Toenail Health: 5 Signs of Issues and What They Mean

November 22, 2021

Toenails! They aren’t just little shields for your toes, nor mere platforms for pretty nail polish. They can also act as a window to your overall health.

Certain toenail conditions can reveal at a glance whether your feet — and your body as a whole — are healthy. You can use these signs to clue you in on ways to take better care of your feet, your nails, and your whole body. If you happen to notice certain symptoms of a serious underlying condition, it’s a good idea to check in with a Salt Lake City podiatrist for an evaluation and personalized remedies.

Thick, Yellow, or Brownish Nails — Toenail Fungus

One of the most common scenarios for toenails in ailing health is that they will thicken and take on a yellow or very light brownish tinge. This is an indication of toenail fungus. They may also become chalky, cloudy, or completely opaque. In severe cases, the nails may begin to crack and break or separate from the nail bed.

Toenail fungus is an extremely common condition experienced by millions of Americans every year. The condition is rarely painful, but when left untreated leads to increasingly poor nail health. Advanced cases can see nails separating from the nailbed and possible secondary infections around the nail matrix and toe.

Treatment can consist of a combination of oral antifungal medications mixed with topical antifungals. Preventing new cases involves keeping feet sanitary, especially in communal showers or when sharing a bathroom with someone who has chronic nail fungus. Keeping your feet dry and diligently cutting toenails (always straight across) can prevent reinfection. You may need to choose new footwear that allows your feet to stay dry without being too tight or too loose, as well.

Red, Painful Toes That Swell Over the Nail — Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are another very common situation for millions of people. They most often occur when the nail has been trimmed too closely around the edges, creating a rounded spot where skin can grow over the top of the nail. Ingrown nails are also more likely to occur when a foot is enclosed in tight shoes or constantly kept moist.

Good prevention is the best way to deal with ingrown toenails that keep coming back. Trim toenails straight across, leaving triangular-shaped edges that prevent skin from growing over the tops of the nails. Shoes should also be worn that aren’t tight-fitting and that allow the foot to breathe throughout the day. If your feet frequently become wet or sweaty, invest in Gore-Tex shoes and moisture-wicking socks. Only wear clean socks, and bring extra pairs for long work shifts or activities like hiking.

Treatment of current ingrown nails is best left to professionals. Do not attempt to “dig out” the nail, as this can cause further toe damage and swelling, inviting the infection to spread. For mild cases, you can try soaking the foot in a warm foot bath with Epsom salts and a bit of body wash, followed by keeping the foot dry and elevated. However, any time it is painful to walk and you notice pus/discharge and extreme discoloration of the toe, seek help from a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Rounded Clubbing — Lung Cancer or Other Serious Illness

Toenail clubbing is a rare condition that most often indicates a serious underlying health issue. Most often, clubbing results from a lung disease or cancer says Mount Sinai hospitals. It can also indicate a condition like cirrhosis, dysentery, Graves disease, celiac, an overactive thyroid, or other forms of cancer.

Clubbed toenails take on a distinctive rounded appearance. The nail will often bulge from the base of the nail bed, causing the nail edge to point downward. The edges of the nail may become flattened or wrap past the edge of the finger. Fingertips will bulge and may become white, red, or have a bluish tint.

Nail clubbing is a reaction to low blood oxygen levels or other abnormalities of the body. It should be taken seriously and evaluated by a podiatrist, who may refer you to an oncologist for further screening and review.

Pitting, Brittleness — Psoriasis, Anemia, Nutritional Deficiency

Nails can split, crack, or take on a cloudy appearance as a result of everyday activities. Minor trauma, such as can be caused by using nails to scratch at surfaces, can lead to these conditions. In some cases, nails that are constantly kept wet, being washed, or subject to harsh chemicals like acetone can take on these appearances.

Beau lines are a specific condition marked by horizontal lines and subtle depressions in the nail surface. These can result from injury to the nail or the nail bed. One common reason for Beau lines is that the patient has been picking at their nailbed or cuticles, slowing nail growth temporarily. When normal growth is restored, the underdeveloped part of the nail stands out as a groove or line.

However, not all nail weaknesses can be traced back to outside factors. When nails have pitting, or holes in them, for example, this can be a sign of psoriasis. Individuals with alopecia — or hair loss — may also experience some nail-related symptoms since nails and hair are both made of keratin.

Anemia can also cause nails that are white and brittle. Iron deficiency anemia, in particular, can cause nail “spooning”, where the edges of the nail begin to curl upwards.

Most of these conditions have potential treatments. Remedies can include dietary supplements, topical treatments, and home care regimens. See a podiatrist for a diagnosis and recommendations based on your specific condition.

Other Discoloration — See Chart

Nails can turn a variety of colors other than yellow/brown for various reasons. Dark lines, possibly indicating a rare form of melanoma, are some of the most important discolorations to watch out for. See other possible conditions in the table below, courtesy of the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).

Color	Disease or other health problem
Blue nails	Not enough oxygen in your bloodstream
White nails	Liver disease, diabetes
Pale nails	Anemia
Half pink, half white nails	Kidney disease
Yellow nails	Lung disease, nail infection
Dusky red half-moons	Could be lupus, heart disease, alopecia areata, arthritis, dermatomyositis
Blue half-moons	Could be sign of poisoning

See a Podiatrist for Worrying Toenail Symptoms

Visiting a podiatrist near you is the best course of action for any toenail condition that is bothering you, that isn’t resolving or could indicate a serious chronic illness.

The offices of Elizabeth Auger, DPM, can provide you with a thorough evaluation and diagnosis of your nail condition. We can then offer targeted treatments. Some conditions can be resolved with medications, but most will require lifestyle changes in order to keep your feet dry and your nails protected. Our podiatry experts can suggest certain care regimens and footwear that can decrease the chances of conditions like toenail fungus returning.

Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you when you call (801) 845-3960 or contact us online.

Nerve Pain and Numbness in the Feet Could Be Coming From Your Back — Even If You Don’t Have Back Pain

May 19, 2021

We depend on our feet every day, but we don’t really give them much thought — until they are bothering us. Many individuals can feel chronic pain in their legs, on the bottoms or tops of their feet, in their calves, or along their thighs. They may also similarly feel odd tingling, numbness, or shooting sensations in these areas. The symptoms may be accompanied by stiffness, muscle weakness, or sometimes difficulty walking and moving around.

There are many possible causes of these symptoms, including a condition known as “neuropathy,” which is common in individuals with diabetes, a heart condition, or metabolic syndrome.

However, the pain, numbness, and tingling could also be related to nerve compression in the lower back. These are the same conditions that frequently cause lower back pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in 16 million Americans. Yet, you don’t have to actively have lower back pain to feel the effects on your feet!

If you are experiencing odd sensations in your legs, feet, or extremities in general, then investigating the health of your lower back could be a good place to start. You can book an appointment with a podiatrist near you to evaluate your condition and get started on the most appropriate treatment.

Read on for more information about foot pain/nerve sensations and their possible relationship to your lower back.

Feeling of Pain, Numbness, and Pins and Needles in the Feet Can Be Hard to Pin Down

Relatively speaking, your feet are a long way down from most vital organs. To keep them in sync with the rest of your body, your feet sit at the end of a long network of blood vessels and nerve conduits.

The most significant of these nerve conduits that connect your lower extremities to your main nervous system is the sciatic nerve. It originates from your lumbar spine, just above the sacroiliac joint, which connects your spine to your hip bones. This nerve then winds its way along the backside of your femur, through the calf, and on down to the ankles and feet.

In addition to the sciatic nerve, there are hundreds of smaller nerves branching off from your main spinal conduit into the various regions of your thighs, knees, calves, and feet. Basically, you have an entire network of nerve signals controlling the operation of your legs’ various muscle systems while also sending vital feedback to and from your central nervous system.

Strange sensations — including shooting pains, stabbing pains, prickly sensations, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness — can be caused by interference along any of these nervous system pathways.

The fact that these sensations can come and go is a testament to the fact that there could be issues with the nerves themselves, not the actual organs where the sensations are felt. You can think of it as similar to getting a blurry signal on your radio, where the signal fades in and out, interrupted by pops of static or unexpected transmissions from other frequencies. While the nervous system is more like an electrical circuit than a radio signal, interference anywhere along the conduit can cause this type of effect.

Also, just like sometimes getting a poor radio signal, the actual effects can be hard to describe. The individual suffering from the condition may experience inconsistent symptoms, and some days they may not feel symptoms at all. These intermittent symptoms can cause someone to delay seeking a diagnosis, and it can also lead to an exhaustive medical investigation once they do seek out a professional opinion.

When Looking for the Culprit Behind Foot Pain, Tingling, and Strange Nerve Sensations, Start at the Source: The Lower Back

Again, odd nerve sensations in the feet and lower extremities could be caused by any number of conditions. Properly diagnosing the cause and determining an appropriate treatment could require extensive testing and some measure of trial and error. Each patient case is unique.

That said, the lower back can be a good place to start the discovery process. Since the major nerve conduits start here, resolving the issue close to the spine can relieve symptoms all the way down the leg. Further, many individuals suffer from lower back issues that can create symptoms in the lower nervous system, especially in individuals over 30 years of age.

Addressing stress factors placed upon your lower back can also have the effect of improving your overall health, helping you strengthen blood flow and nervous system functioning from the waist down.

Possible Causes of Foot Pain, Tingling, Nerve Sensations Stemming From the Lower Back

The most common root cause of lower back issues and related foot/leg nerve issues is spinal stenosis. “Spinal stenosis” is a way to refer to a group of conditions that all have the same effect: narrowing spaces within your spine where nerve conduits travel.

Causes and risk factors of spinal stenosis include:

Osteoarthritis — The breakdown of cartilage in joints in between the spine’s vertebrae

Bone spurs — Bone regrowth in areas of bone that has become worn down, where the new bone has grown in such a way as to place pressure on nerves

Bulging/herniated discs — A condition where the back has become compressed or stressed to the point where the gelatinous disc in between vertebrae, changing the shape of the vertebrae in such a way that the nerves can get “pinched” or have pressure put upon them

Thickened ligaments — Ligaments help connect the vertebrae to form the spinal cord. They can become thickened over time, especially in response to age, stress, or inflammation.

Past fractures and injury

Congenital conditions
Cysts, tumors, and other unusual growth

Sciatica

Sciatica is a specific type of spinal stenosis that results in pressure along the sciatic nerve. Symptoms of sciatica are consistent with the condition that is the focus of this article: strange sensations, pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the feet. Individuals with sciatica may also feel pain in their inner thigh or face, difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time.

Treating Lower Back Issues to Help Resolve Foot Pain and Strange Nerve Symptoms

The good news is that your condition is likely to be treatable!

Rehabilitation through stretching and light physical exercise a few times a week can help strengthen the muscles that support your lower back while relieving the tension and pressure caused by repetitive stress.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or the non-NSAID acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be recommended by your treating physician. You may also be prescribed a temporary regimen of pain relievers, muscle relaxers, or other similar drugs.

Applying ice packs or heat packs can also help relieve acute pain or lower back stress.

Generally, lifestyle changes are likely to be recommended. While we can’t help whether or not we sit or stand during work all day, there are small things we can do throughout the day to keep our lower back healthy and to reduce strain. Individual sufferers should pay close attention to their posture throughout their day, and they should take breaks between periods of prolonged sitting or standing. You may need to invest in a new mattress, chair, or orthopedic cushions in order to achieve the desired results and comfort.

In any case, always review concerning symptoms with a licensed clinician, including your chronic pain and nerve-related issues. A podiatrist can help evaluate your condition, perform tests, obtain a diagnosis, and recommend a series of care options to see if it can alleviate your condition.

In some instances, surgery may be recommended to reduce nerve entrapment or address other underlying conditions contributing to your symptoms.

To speak with a licensed, experienced podiatrist near you about nerve pain, tingling, numbness, and other odd sensations in the feet, call us (801) 396-9743 or contact a Salt Lake City podiatrist near you to schedule an appointment.

Is It Covid Toes or Chilblains?

May 5, 2021

Dry, red, itchy skin on the toes and fingers? Known as chilblains or pernio, this condition can affect people who have been exposed to prolonged cold, especially in damp climates.

Chilblain is a bit of an uncommon problem, but it can affect anyone who has been exposed to the severe cold outdoors or who lives or works in poorly heated conditions. However, chilblains-like presentations have been popping up with more regularity over the past few months. One San Francisco-based dermatologist reported to the New York Times in May 2020 that, whereas she used to see four or five patients with chilblains per year, now she is seeing dozens.

Many health experts have begun to suspect that COVID-19, not chilblains, is to blame for these new cases. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) published a resource detailing unusual findings in the past year related to alleged “COVID toes”. The presentation is very similar to chilblains, but patients have no recent history of cold exposure. Cases range from mildly discomforting to painful, at the point of disrupting normal activities.

Anyone concerned about their symptoms and the possible relationship to COVID-19 can address their condition with the assistance of a licensed podiatrist near them. They can also review the information below to better understand their condition and whether or not it is related to a possible COVID-19 infection.

What Is Chilblains, and What Causes It?

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) defines chilblains as “small, itchy, red patches that can appear after you have been in the cold.” The NHS also assures that, “chilblains usually go away on their own in 2 to 3 weeks.”

The presentation may be consistent with a rash, or it may look similar to reddish windburn on the cheeks. People with darker skin and people of color may see shades of purple in the rash rather than redness. Some people suffering from chilblains may even see significant swelling or deep discoloration. In severe or poorly managed cases, the affected skin may blister or ulcerate. Pus may also emerge from underneath the outer skin layer.

A common complication of chilblains arises when the patient continues to expose themselves to cold without proper precaution. They may have footwear or socks that retain moisture and fail to properly insulate. Many patients also can pick at the affected areas, rub them, or get overzealous in warming the areas back up. This is likely to worsen the tissue damage that caused chilblains in the first place.

The mechanism by which patients get chilblains is not yet fully understood. Harvard Health Publishing documents that “the cause appears to be damage to tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in the skin. When skin is exposed to cold, the capillaries constrict, and in susceptible people, some may become damaged. When the skin is rewarmed too quickly, they leak blood into the surrounding tissue, causing inflammation. Susceptibility may be increased by poor circulation, anemia, hormonal changes, connective tissue problems, and certain bone marrow disorders.”

Individuals with diabetes may also be more susceptible to chilblains.

What Is “COVID toes”?

“COVID toes” has emerged as a way to describe patient cases involving a reaction very similar to chilblains but without an obvious history of exposure to cold.

Absent the history of cold exposure, diagnostic professionals have theorized that itchy hands and feet could be an unusual reaction to COVID-19 infection. As detailed by the AAD, many patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 have developed hives or rashes. In some “COVID toes” cases, the patient even has measles-like bumps on the skin of their toes and feet.

A review of patient studies published in January 2021 in the medical journal Clinics in Dermatology noted that these cases seem to emerge with particular frequency in teens and children. As affirmed by the CDC, young children and teens are less likely to have severe COVID-19 symptoms. They may, instead, present symptoms that are more subtle, such as a mild cough. They may also have zero symptoms, albeit while still spreading the virus to others. Because COVID-19 is less likely to be suspected in mild respiratory cases, the appearance of rashes on these young individuals is particularly unexpected.

However, individuals of all ages have presented with “COVID toes”, including a documented case of a 48-year-old woman with a mild rash that was first noticed on her cat’s ears.

Why Would COVID-19 Cause Chilblains-Type Rashes?

The true answer is that no one knows for sure yet. COVID-19 is a completely novel disease, and its effects will undoubtedly be researched and theorized over for many decades to come.

One consistent thread, though, is that severe COVID-19 cases seem to be related to the body’s reaction to the disease rather than damage caused by the infection itself — i.e. a severe immune system overreaction caused by “autoantibodies.” Some COVID-19 patients develop severe lung inflammation and lung tissue lesions. Others see complications related to clotting or abnormal functioning in organs far away from the respiratory system. The theory is that what these cases have in common is that the COVID-19 infection has caused the body’s immune system to “go rogue”, sometimes attacking perfectly healthy tissues.

Since hives can emerge as the body’s natural histamine response to an allergen, a similar reaction might be happening in patients with “COVID toes” rashes on their hands or feet. Chilblain is a condition likely caused by damage to small capillaries, so rapid inflammation or even apoptosis (the body killing off its own cells) may be at work in patients with “COVID toes”.

Should I Be Worried About COVID If I Get a Chilblains-Type Rash?

Many healthcare professionals have been quick to point out that the relationship between COVID-19 and chilblains-type rashes is poorly understood, and the connection has not yet been firmly established.

Further, people should be more focused on watching for other symptoms more likely to indicate a COVID-19 infection. Know that difficulty breathing, persistent cough, fever, and other symptoms are more likely to be connected with COVID-19 infection than rashes on the feet and hands.

“These symptoms seem to be more common in COVID-19 compared with all other viral infections,” Pulmonologist Dr. Humberto Choi explained to the Cleveland Clinic. “But at this time, they haven’t affected a majority of people. So, the symptoms that people should be looking for are really a fever, cough, and muscle aches that you can get when you have a viral infection. Those are the most common symptoms — and those are the things that people should be keeping on their radar.”

This is not to say that anyone concerned about COVID toes should feel discouraged from taking an antibody (PCR) test. Individuals should also continue to take COVID-19 precautions recommended by the CDC, including social distancing, wearing a mask, avoiding large gatherings, and scheduling an immunization if they have not done so already.

So, while a rash on toes and hands is not as much of a concern as fever, chest pain, severe cough, or other symptoms, individuals can still take precautions and get themselves tested in order to alleviate their concerns about rashes on the hands and feet.

Treating Chilblains and COVID Toes

The good news is that, in nearly all cases, both chilblains and suspected “COVID toes” can resolve themselves in just a few weeks. Sufferers are recommended to keep the affected areas clean, dry, and reasonably warm. Hydrocortisone creme and a mild, doctor-recommended lotion can help to soothe the itching and discomfort.

Avoid excessively massaging, rubbing, scratching, or picking at the feet. If the condition persists past 2 weeks, appears to be getting worse, or develops into broken skin or the appearance of pus, have it evaluated by a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about a foot rash or other conditions or would like an evaluation, you can call us at (801) 396-9743 or schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Salt Lake City at a location near you.