MADRID (AFP) – Changes in the tongue, hands or soles of the feet can give an early indication of Covid-19 infection, Spanish researchers found in a study presented on Tuesday (26 January).
The findings emerged from surveys of 666 Covid-19 patients at Madrid’s IFEMA field hospital, set up during the first wave of the pandemic, the regional government said.
One in four patients said they noticed changes in their tongue, while four out of ten saw unusual signs on their palms or soles.
The study was carried out in April by health professionals at Madrid’s La Paz hospital and primary care services, with the results published in the British Journal of Dermatology in the form of a “research letter” in September.
Some patients reported swelling of the tongue and the appearance of spots, in what was dubbed “Covid Language”, which on many occasions was associated with loss of taste.
Another symptom was a burning sensation and redness on the palms or soles, which in some cases was accompanied by the appearance of small spots.
“Nearly half of patients with mild to moderate Covid-19 admitted to a field hospital over a two-week period showed mucocutaneous results,” said the letter.
“The oral cavity was frequently involved and deserves specific examination in appropriate circumstances to avoid the risk of contagion.”