This is not something that happens in Miami. Chilblains are a common vasospastic problem of the toes in the colder climates, so not our problem. The cause is the microcirculation of the toes not responding to changes in temperature properly and so cause an inflammatory reaction. That causes a painful and itchy red spot on the skin that eventually becomes a darker color if the chilblain becomes chronic.
However, one thing that is starting to show given the issues surrounding the coronavirus and COVID-19 is the issue that has been given some mileage in the media and called ‘COVID toes‘. This is the occurrence of chilblains type lesions on the toes in those infected with the virus which is showing up in the not so cold climates. This means that a suspicious red patch on the toes need to be investigated properly, especially if it looks like a chilblain in Miami!
See this video from PodChatLive for more on the chilblains that are occurring in those with COVID-19:
All of the latest research on chilblains is covered on Podiatry Arena and these does seem to be quite a lack of it, but given its involvement in COVID toes, hopefyllu more research is done on them.
Peter Bird
Peter is a Podiatrist in Miami with a passion for the profession and sharing foot health information.