Coronavirus symptom: COVID digits, a coronavirus-induced skin condition you should know about

The impact of the SARs-CoV-2 virus is not just limited to the respiratory system, rather it can take a toll on your overall health. Besides causing various respiratory symptoms, it can also affect different parts of the body, including the largest organ in the body which is the skin. That said, while it's important to identify whether your sore throat is a common cold, flu or COVID-19, it is as important to understand the source of your skin infection or rash.

Also read: Coronavirus symptoms: Can you have COVID-19 without fever?

Unlike most diseases, the novel coronavirus is highly unpredictable. While fever, sore throat, fatigue or a runny nose are some of the classic symptoms of COVID-19, it is unlikely that a skin rash would raise any concerns regarding the virus. However, in the past and even now, scientists and dermatologists believe that COVID-19 could affect the skin, leading to different skin conditions.

Given that the coronavirus enters into the cells with the help of ACE2 receptors, a protein found on the surface of many cell types across the body and on the surface of endothelial cells. These cells make up most of the dermal blood vessels, which are linked to skin inflammatory processes. That said, scientists believe that the SARs-CoV-2 virus could infect the human endothelial cells, causing skin inflammation and oxidative stress, which could further lead to skin problems.

COVID digits are one of the most common skin conditions noticed in people with COVID-19.

The National Health Service (NHS) defines COVID digits as “tender swellings on the fingers and toes which may be purple in those with lighter skin or a slightly darker appearance/brown/black in those with darker skin".

As per the health agency, it usually appears sometime after the onset of the infection and may last up for more than 12 weeks.”

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COVID digits could lead to discoloration and swelling of the fingers and toes, which is why it is also known as COVID toes. According to the NHS, they may be purple in people with lighter skin or a slightly darker appearance in those with a darker skin. In many, it may resemble chilblains, a condition that usually occurs in colder months. Once the viral infection is cleared away, the affected area heals slowly and the skin begins to peel off on its own.

The UK's NHS also reveals other types of skin conditions that may be caused by the deadly virus. This includes, “A very itchy widespread rash with tiny lumps and blisters like prickly heat.” Also known as urticaria or hives, this kind of rash appears suddenly in just over a few hours and may relieve on its own, resulting in red, itchy bumps. As per the health agency, "This can come up early in the Covid infection but can last for months afterwards."

Another skin problem called pityriasis rosea can also appear, which includes a rash on the trunk (body), as per NHS.

"This starts with a single, large red patch, followed a few days later by many smaller red/darker patches on the trunk, which are not usually too itchy. In darker skin, the patches can be darker, brown or black. This rash goes away by itself after several months without treatment. If troublesome, moisturizers and topical steroid creams can be helpful," says the health agency.