Confirmation of new symptoms of Covid-19: changes in the tongue, hands and feet

A study, pioneering worldwide and carried out by professionals from the University Hospital of La Paz and Primary Care of the Madrid Health Service (SERMAS) of the Community of Madrid, Spain, revealed for the first time that changes in the tongue and palms of the hands and feet are symptoms of Covid-19.

The research was developed with patients admitted during the month of April to the Hospital of the Community of Madrid at IFEMA. The so-called ‘Covid tongue’ consists of an increase in the size of the tongue and other lingual lesions such as uneven hair removal, i.e. smoother areas of the tongue often associated with loss disgust.

According to the ABC journal, this symptom can be a sign of Covid-19, as well as those already described as fever or cough, and can help early detection of infection.

Another symptom that can alert a Covid-19 infection are changes to the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, particularly a burning sensation and redness followed, on some occasions, by peeling or scaling. appearance of very characteristic small spots.

About the study

The research, carried out by the dermatology service of the University Hospital of La Paz and with the participation of eight primary care doctors who, during the first wave of the pandemic, treated patients at the Hospital de la Comunidad de Madrid at IFEMA, was conducted in April, and finds that 25 percent of Covid-19 patients had changes in the tongue and mouth, and up to 40 percent in the palms and soles.

The study was published in the “British Journal of Dermatology”, it is an advance in the early detection of the coronavirus, since it adds to the symptoms already described with scientific evidence linked to alterations of the tongue and palms and soles.