There have been recent reports of children who experienced rashes or skin lesions or an inflammatory response several weeks after having been infected with COVID-19.
Last updated: February 4, 2021
“COVID toes”, also known as chilblain-like lesions, are one of several skin lesions seen in COVID-19. These particular skin lesions seem to be a specific rash and are usually seen in children or young adults and not associated with severe disease. These skin lesions occur later in the evolution of the illness. They often don't require any specific treatment unless they are causing symptoms. The most common symptoms with "COVID toes" are pain or itching. If this is an issue, you can see your doctor and they may prescribe a topical steroid cream for symptom relief.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a newly recognized clinical syndrome being reported in children and adolescents that is linked to the COVID-19 virus. MIS-C appears to be caused by an exaggerated immune response, leading to severe widespread inflammation. Different parts of the body can become inflamed, including the heart, gastrointestinal system, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, and lymph nodes. It can resemble other known illnesses like toxic shock, Kawasaki disease and gastrointestinal illness and can include symptoms like rashes, fever, swelling of the hands and feet.
The rare condition seems to appear in children several weeks after they have been infected with COVID-19, Most children who have had this illness have recovered.
There have been confirmed cases of MIS-C in B.C. All possible cases are reported to public health and investigated. A number of cases have been investigated but they did not test positive for COVID-19 virus, they did not test positive for COVID-19 antibodies, and they had no known exposure to a reported COVID-19 case. Since none of the cases were linked to a COVID-19 infection, it is expected that they are likely due to another cause. All cases have recovered.
BC Children's Hospital will continue to monitor closely any patients with symptoms that could be in keeping with MIS-C.
