Watch Out for 'COVID Toes'

As the coronavirus pandemic spreads, victims are reporting new and unusual symptoms.

Besides fever, fatigue and coughing, healthcare providers have reported some patients have pink eye, while other lose their sense of smell. Symptoms such as coughing blood and tingling all over the body have also been associated with the deadly disease.

Now, dermatologists are spotting purple lesions on people's toes which might be linked to the coronavirus, according to NBC's "Today."

Dubbed "COVID toes," the condition might occur either on the feet or hands and is characterized by red or purple discoloration. Dr. Esther Freeman, a dermatologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston told "Today," the skin might become raised or develop ulcerations. People with COVID toes might feel a burning and painful sensation in the affected digits, she said.

Other skin conditions have been identified as possible symptoms of COVID-19. According to the New York Post, the French National Union of Dermatologists-Venereologists (SNDV), found dermatological signs like pseudo-frostbite, hives, and persistent redness have been associated with COVID-19. 

But this new symptom has never been observed before in dermatological circles, says The European Journal of Dermatology. According to "Today," COVID toes might be unique to this virus.

Freeman hypothesizes the condition might be the result of inflammation caused by the virus, or blood vessel clots, which have occurred in COVID-19 patients. She launched an international registry to document how commonly COVID toes affects patients who tested positive for the disease, and those whose healthcare providers suspect are positive.

Of the 80 to 100 reports she received, about half the patients reported purple lesions on feet and hands. For some, it was the only symptom, according to "Today."

Freeman said the condition tends to resolve on its own, but suggests getting tested for COVID-19 if you notice discoloration on your hands and feet.