Cases drop, post-Covid conditions increase

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The daily new Covid-19 cases have been showing a decline, but doctors say they are steadily witnessing a rise in mouth ulcers, extreme fatigue, and rashes on the body. Doctors say the immunity is compromised due to Covid and the body is unable to fight off the virus.

Dr Vandana Punjabi, senior consultant, Dermatology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, who has witnessed a 20% rise in such cases said, "We have witnessed a substantial rise in number of bacterial infections such as folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles on body) and rashes which stimulate eczema, psoriasis or lichen planus (a common skin rash) since 2021."

‘Compromised immunity'

She said the major cause of the trend is compromised immunity due to Covid infections and the body's inability to fight off these viruses. "In the pre-pandemic period, these infections were common among the senior citizens, pregnant women or comorbid patients with compromised immunity. Since the second wave, the infections have increased in patients below the age of 40, with no major health indications," said Dr Punjabi.

Fatigue is another condition seen in post-Covid patients. File pic

Doctors say they are seeing patients with red rashes on skin especially on the torso, hands and feet. They observed that some patients were also detected with urticarial (red round welts on the skin) and vascular rashes (inflammation of the blood vessels) associated with Covid-19. They also say these conditions take a long time to heal.

Awareness important

Dr Shraddha Deshpande, aesthetic care specialist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central said identification of vascular changes is essential. "Post Covid, there has been a rise in the occurrence of rashes and petichial spots (bleeding under the skin) in a lot of patients. There can be an increased occurrence of non-healing ulcers if the vascularity is affected. Hence identifying the vascular changes is essential," she said. Dr Deshpande also added that any ulcers in the mouth or discharge from the nose may be early signs of mucormycosis. "Post Covid, it is advisable to get any ulcer or rash which may have developed, checked from your physician. At least 5 to 6 per cent of symptomatic patients develop some skin issues," she said.

Dr Lancelot Pinto, pulmonologist at the Hinduja Hospital, Mahim, who has himself recovered from Covid-19, and has been facing the fatigue issues said one should have a gradual return to physical activity irrespective of severity of Covid-19. "The fatigue caused post Covid-19 doesn't relate to the severity of the disease and can last for weeks. One should rest, sleep and stay hydrated and maintain the required level of vitamins B12, D3," he said.