Doctors are reporting that they are beginning to see cases of “COVID toes,” red or purple patches on toes that some believe could be a sign of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

While the scientific evidence is still limited about what may be causing this medical condition, people who have this symptom should contact a dermatologist or their health care provider, according to Noelani Gonzalez, MD, a dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Mount Sinai West in New York.

“Your doctor will follow up by asking you questions to try to figure out if this could be a possible sign of coronavirus or something else,” she said.

In fact, the patches on the toes resemble another condition called chilblains, also known as pernio, a painful inflammation of small blood vessels. People may often feel itching, stinging, or burning.

In most circumstances the condition resolves on its own and doctors recommend behavioral measures such as keeping your feet warm, but in persistent cases topical steroids can help reduce inflammation, and aspirin can help improve blood flow to your extremities. Fortunately, the condition tends to go away within a few days or up to two weeks, according to Dr. Gonzalez.

This is a condition doctors typically see in the colder months, which is one reason why the recent reports, while the weather is warming, may be an indication of something different, she said.

In order to gather better information, the American Academy of Dermatology recently started a COVID-19 Registry to collect reports of this condition from physicians and health care professionals so that they can be studied, and to avoid the spread of medical misinformation.

Dr. Gonzalez says “COVID toes” has been found among people of all ages, though many of the cases have been among children and young adults. Doctors believe that may be because younger people typically mount more aggressive immune responses to a virus or other infection.

Doctors say this type of inflammation in “COVID toes” can be caused by the inflammation caused from the immune response to the virus, by an inflammation in blood vessels, or by clotting in blood vessels, or even by a combination of these, but there is not yet a definitive answer.

For now, experts say you must assume that everyone you encounter in your daily life could be infected with the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

So the best general advice about protecting yourself in social situations is remain on guard and make sure you are thinking about this issue at all times: Treat every possible encounter with another person with care in order to avoid even the possibility of coming in contact with someone who may be infected.  Some who are infected may not show any symptoms.

That means following the rules of social distancing by staying at least six feet apart, and avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth as much as possible, according to Waleed Javaid, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

However, if the unexpected happens and you think you may have had contact with someone who is infected, you should immediately wash your hands and face with soap and water. If washing is not an option, then use hand sanitizer. Unless the person coughed or sneezed directly on you, the risk of transmission is very low. But it still makes sense to take all possible precautions.

Clothing itself has not been shown to transmit the virus, but there is the possibility that the virus contaminated your clothing and you then touched something on your clothes. If possible, you should consider changing your clothes.  There are no other scientifically proven remedies yet, according to Dr. Javaid.

It is important to note that wearing a face mask only may not prevent you from becoming infected. Someone who is infected and wearing a mask is doing their part to avoid infecting you and others. But you should still maintain proper social distancing anyway, even if you are wearing a mask. One added benefit of wearing a mask is that it can help remind you not to touch your face as often.