Random Round Rash and shortness of breath

Seeing a local doctor who competently practices in the field of functional or mitochondrial medicine might be covered by insurance if that physician is conventionally credentialed (eg. as an M.D. or D.C.) Might you consider looking into some of the research and writing out there today on the possibility that many of the neurological aftermaths of COVID look remarkably similar to syndromes and symptoms that have been associated with sudden depletions of particular B vitamins? Another line of study is about whether COVID may, in some patients, do something to impair our ability to absorb vitamins (especially thiamine/B1), and this has sparked some patient-driven exploration into whether some degree of B1 supplementation may begin to normalize long COVID patients. B1 supplementation protocols are popular in relation to several non-COVID-related chronic illnesses, and itś important, before starting on B1 supplementation, to be keenly aware that some people need and can tolerate lots of thiamine (usually in HCl form), while others are sensitive to B1 and do better starting with very conservative doses that may gradually increase, if tolerated. If this interests you, please, if easy, see if you can pull up several long posts I have shared across multiple long-COVID subject categories here, on this topic. . . Most importantly, do not assume that you will never recover your senses of taste and smell. Sometimes, solving the mystery of why this has happened, in your case, based on your health history, can be all it takes to shake things up and get you on a healing track . . .Having a great functional medicine doctor working with you on this, moreover, will make for even greater success.

Thank you for this information!

The rash sounds similar to one I got in early April 2023 right after a positive test and being sick after my spouse brought COVID home from a mandatory in-office 3 days of meeting. (He took Paxlovid; I had a script for it and tried one dose once I tested positive 2 days after he did; bad reaction and had to stop.)

Three diff docs including a dermatologist didn't connect it to COVID and still don't - "we've never heard/seen that before". I had 6 different topical salves to try. One of the rashes cleared; the other larger one never has. PLUS I developed horrific issues w/ my feet, esp the bottoms of my heels - they cracked - and now tho' they are, after 15 months, only cracking a bit, the burning and pain are like nothing, even after years on my feet working, I'd had before.

That and a continuing rash on one side of my mouth (same side as the leg rash) that has no apparent other causes or causations. That is, nothing brings it consistently on or makes it stop.

Others have provided some insights. I suggest, if you've not, a dermatologist and a podiatrist tho' my experience says that you may not get any help. I now use a cortisone cream on my heels when they begin to crack.

My hope is your senses return and that you find some way to manage the rashes.

That you for your response. I was on the antibiotic Clindamycin 300mg after the diagnosis. My husband also tested positive at same time. He was on a steroid and Clindamycin and he recovered. He can smell and taste, no rash. My rash started to spread again over my left knuckles of my hand and below my thumb overnight. Now a spot appears on my right knuckle same location. My lower back above hip area broke out over night . It seems the rash stats on one side then mirrors on the opposite side. Very strange. I have never had skin problems. I did have chicken pox and measles as a child. As an adult I did have shingles 4 times. I am unable to take any vaccinations because of my allergies/ sensitivity. This morning my doctor prescribed a topical steroid. I am willing to try anything at this point. I did not even know I had the rash on my lower back my husband showed me. It is round red/ pink . Several spots. I do experience widespread burning pins and needles sensation of my skin. I talked to my insurance company an no go for a Mayo Clinic because they do not cover out of the state of Michigan. I asked about other places within my state and they suggested Munson Health system which I am already seeing? My doctors are wonderful it is the insurance company that is denying what they are wanting to do. The doctors have tried multiple times to work with them. I hope you feel better and receive the care you need. The medical system as a whole need to come together and try to find answers. Many people like us are suffering from after effects of COVID we need our voices heard. This is disrupting my life and wellbeing as with other people. It seems no one has an answer. All I have read is steroids and antihistamines. With all the scientific knowledge you would think they would know more. They put out vaccines quickly enough. What about treatment now? I wish a Mayo doctor would read this. Maybe they would have suggestions for my doctors. I am researching as much as I can. Thank you for your response it is greatly appreciated.

Oh I understand and it is incredibly frustrating.

It sounds like you have done searches for Long COVID or Post COVID and rash. I've found lots, long before my doctors even wanted to discuss.

That said: Insurance companies are even farther behind the medical communities about helping us.

It's gonna take some high-profile politician to suffer so much they can't function for anyone to begin to get it.

Each day is a struggle and we are all getting more exhausted from the struggle with the symptoms.

I again say to Mayo: keep this alive for us to at least have a place where others can kvetch and compare symptoms. It is the loneliest struggle I've ever been through and that includes docs and tests taking 3 years to find non-Hodgkin Lymphoma because my blood work never showed abnormalities!