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Australian drug trafficker Schapelle Corby has suffered a relapse after venturing out of her hospital ward to go to a beauty salon on Wednesday, doctors say.

Corby, who is serving 20 years for drug smuggling, is being treated at a Bali hospital for depression but on Wednesday left her ward under the watch of armed guards to have her hair done and get a pedicure.

The visit caused a media storm and Corby tried to hide her face as she left the salon, once she realised a swarm of reporters was waiting outside.

Sanglah Hospital doctor Lely Setyawati said Corby's condition had deteriorated after her outing "... because it's been blown up, she's been chased my many people, she's been afraid".

"The effect is ... her condition is back to zero."

Setyawati said doctors had been preparing to send Corby back to Kerobokan prison but said that would now be delayed.

"We were preparing her to strengthen her so that she would be able to face her punishment, but now we need a longer time," she said.

She said she did not know in advance that Corby planned to visit the salon on Wednesday, but it would have been a positive experience for her.