Long Covid can turn this part of your body blue

Covid-19 isn't in the news as much as it was a year ago, but it hasn't diasappeared. A new variant, dubbed Eris, is rampant and is being closely monitored by the WHO. Meanwhile, infections continue worldwide, and some people, even when cured, suffer from post-Covid-19 symptoms (more commonly known as long Covid). Here is the story of a man in his thirties who has a rare syndrome linked to this disease.

His leg turns blue when he stands

The precise identity of this person has not been released, but we do know that his case was the subject of a study published in The Lancet, a medical journal. According to the study, the patient has been complaining of discoloration of the legs when standing for 6 months.

He says that after several minutes, he begins to feel itchy and heavy, and that his lower limbs take on a bluish color. The effects and discoloration disappear after a few minutes of lying down.

Read more: Covid-19: Picking your nose could increase your chances of catching the disease

A rare symptom of long Covid

This man is said to suffer from Acrocyanosis, a disease described by Manuel MSD in these words:

Acrocyanosis, a functional peripheral arterial disease, is a persistent, painless bluish discoloration of both hands and, less commonly, feet, due to spasms of the skin's small blood vessels, usually in response to cold or emotional stress.

The doctors also diagnosed him with postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), which manifests itself as an increased heart rate when standing. These disorders are thought to be linked to a long Covid, as study co-author Dr. Sivan points out:

Patients who experience this may not be aware that it can be a symptom of long Covid syndrome and dysautonomia and may feel alarmed by what they see. Similarly, doctors may not be aware of the link between acrocyanosis and long Covid.

This article was translated fromGentside France.

Read more:

⋙ Covid-19: As Eris variant is on the rise, doctors reveal the main symptoms to watch for

⋙ New Covid-19 'Eris' variant is spreading amongst Brits, here is how worried you should be

Sources used:

The Lancet: Venous insufficiency and acrocyanosis in long COVID: dysautonomia

Le Manuel MSD: Acrocyanose