A so-called “Covid tongue” is being diagnosed more and more frequently in people infected with the coronavirus. This is particularly noticeable through patchy coating, small wounds or ulcer-like changes. A new symptom?
Not only cough, fever and chills – a corona infection can apparently also make itself felt through a pathologically altered tongue. According to a recent report, an increasing number of COVID-19 patients are suffering from bumps, as well as inflammation and swelling of the tongue and skin. For the study, the data of 666 patients from a Spanish field hospital were analyzed. It turned out that one in four of them had the novel symptom, the «Covid tongue».
Characteristics of the so-called “Covid tongue”
According to the «British Journal of Dermatology‘ published report severe redness, cracks, swelling, small bumps, a blotchy and/or uneven surface, and heavy coating on the tongue. Some complained of a burning sensation. In addition, the doctors determine inflammation. At the same time, the phenomenon described as new is accompanied by the usual loss of taste.
British epidemiologist and science journalist Tim Spector shows an example photo of a «Covid tongue» on his Twitter account:
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Is the Corona tongue really a new symptom?
However, it has not yet been clarified whether the “Covid tongue” is actually a new Covid 19 symptom. Because the coronavirus is known to primarily attack the lungs and other organs, medical professionals are focusing their investigations primarily on these areas, it said. In order to avoid possible infections, patients usually have to keep the mask on. As a result, the mouth and throat area are given less attention. However, the new finding is by no means surprising. Because even with other virus infections, such as the flu, an unpleasant coating on the tongue is not uncommon.
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Painful skin inflammation appears to be a normal side effect
It was discovered last autumn that the skin – or the mucous membrane – can react to a Covid 19 infection. So-called «Covid toes», which are mainly noticeable through painful, itchy and swollen inflammation on the feet, indicate that Corona is also attacking the skin. How all of this is related to each other must therefore be further investigated.