Denise Welch, the well-known panellist on ITV’s *Loose Women*, 

recently opened up about a terrifying health scare that left her suffering from a bizarre and distressing side effect.

The 66-year-old TV personality revealed to viewers that she was experiencing severe skin peeling on her hands and feet after being treated for a life-threatening condition. 

Her candid confession has since sparked concern among fans, as well as admiration for her resilience during a difficult time.

While on *Loose Women*, fellow host Ruth Langsford pointed out that Denise had been unwell, specifically mentioning the skin issues that had been troubling her. 

“You had this thing on your hand? Your skin started peeling?” Langsford asked. 

Denise responded, saying, “Yeah, yeah. If I did not know what this was, I would think I was probably going to pop my clogs.” Despite her lighthearted comment, Denise’s revelation was anything but trivial.

She went on to explain that three weeks prior, she had been rushed to the hospital after suffering a severe episode of perforated diverticulitis, a potentially fatal condition. Perforated diverticulitis occurs when a weakened section of the colon bursts, allowing the contents of the bowel to leak into the abdominal cavity, leading to infection. It is a life-threatening emergency that typically requires immediate medical attention.

Denise shared the ordeal in more detail, saying, “In order to avoid surgery, they had to pump me full of these high-grade antibiotics, and all of my skin on my hands and feet completely dried up to the point where I could barely move my hands.” The condition wasn’t painful, Denise clarified, but it caused her skin to become excessively dry and crack. She further explained that although the experience was uncomfortable, the medical team assured her that it was a necessary side effect of the powerful antibiotics that were saving her life.

“It wasn’t painful. It was a rash, but it wasn’t painful. So they said ‘could you just bear with it, because these antibiotics are really working?’” Denise explained to the audience. She even showed her hands on camera, revealing the dramatic peeling effect. “But they’re literally peeling off. And my feet… they’re worse,” she added.

The star’s openness about her health scare not only raised awareness about the dangers of perforated diverticulitis but also highlighted the lesser-known side effects of high-strength antibiotics. For Denise, this was a trying period, as she grappled with the medical challenges while also dealing with the visible impact on her skin. Despite the severity of her condition, Denise kept her trademark sense of humor, joking about her transformation into a “reptile woman” due to the skin changes.

Fans and colleagues alike have shown their support for Denise, with many expressing their concern over the health issue while praising her for sharing such a personal experience. As a popular public figure, Denise’s willingness to speak out about her illness helps shed light on the challenges faced by individuals dealing with similar health issues, while also emphasizing the importance of seeking medical help when faced with concerning symptoms.

Perforated diverticulitis is a serious condition that requires prompt medical intervention. Without immediate treatment, it can lead to complications such as sepsis, peritonitis, or even organ failure. Denise’s story serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change with health and how essential it is to listen to one’s body and seek medical assistance when necessary.

As Denise continues to recover, her fans have been rallying behind her, sending messages of support and wishing her a speedy recovery. While her skin may be peeling, Denise’s strength and resilience through the ordeal are truly inspirational, and her transparency about the effects of her treatment has sparked important conversations about health, illness, and recovery. 

Denise Welch’s openness about her health scare is a testament to the importance of sharing personal experiences to help others understand the realities of medical conditions. We wish her continued strength on her journey to recovery and hope that her story encourages others to be mindful of their health and seek help when they need it most.

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