Can Hepatitis C infection cause skin problems?



The causative organism for the Hepatitis C infection is Hepatitis C virus (HCV). This viral infection is characterized by the severe liver damage. The other symptoms include fatigue, poor appetite and skin problems including yellow discoloration of the skin, itchy skin and skin rashes. The skin concerns of this Hepatitis C can occur anywhere in the body including arms. The onset of skin problems can be directly due to Hepatitis C or indirectly due to the irritation caused by the injectable that is used to treat liver diseases. To know whether the occurred skin problems are due to the Hepatitis C or not, one should have a brief knowledge over the symptoms of Hepatitis c.

The common skin concerns seen in persons infected with HCV include:

·        Jaundice is a condition in which skin and white part of the eyes and nails turns to yellow color. This is due to the accumulation of the bilirubin as the liver fails to break it down. The jaundice symptoms such as dark urine and straw colored stools are not specific to HCV; however it can also be caused due to Cirrhosis or liver damage.

·    Ascites is an abdominal condition characterized by the fluid accumulation in the abdomen and gives balloon like swelling appearance. Due to the accumulation of fluids the person experiences rapid weight gain.

·     Pruritus is characterized by severe itching of the skin. This severe itching can lead to cuts and infection of the skin. Pruritus can be the cause of Lichen Planus and Urticaria.

·   Blood spots (purpura) are a skin condition with red or purple rashes associated with blood clumping called as cryoglobulinemia.

·    Spider angiomas shows web like dilated blood vessels underneath the skin which are painless spots.

The Hepatitis C can be treated with anti-viral drugs. The treatments used to cure skin discomfort include Diuretics that helps to remove the excessive fluid accumulated, Calamine lotion which acts as smoothening application or any other topical corticosteroids and antihistamines to lighten the skin itching.

Any small change in the skin should be addressed with the doctor for the diagnosis because unhealthy skin can be the sign for upcoming liver diseases. Even after diagnosis with Hepatitis C infection one should address the experiencing skin problems to the physician so that it helps to prevent the progression of skin concerns. 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Myths and Facts about How Hep C is Transmitted

Image
    The most dangerous assumptions about the Hepatitis C are almost myths. The best approach for those myths is to find the facts about the transmission of Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C doesn’t spread through Kiss, hug, sharing of utensils, Shake hands, coughing or sneezing, close contact with the Hepatitis C. The center for the Disease Control and Prevention states that the Hepatitis C will be passed on during the sexual contact from one person to another person. It can also transmit while having multiple sex partners or having sex with the HIV patients or engaging with rough sex can increase the risk of viral Hepatitis transmission. This transmission can be prevented by practicing safe sex. According to the World Journal of Gastroenterology the risk of transmission of Hepatitis C from mother to new born child is below 5%. Hepatitis C also doesn’t transmit through breast feeding. However mothers with the bleeding nipples are advised to stop the feeding immediately. Steps to prevent
Read more

COVID-19 and Liver Diseases

Image
  The people only with the symptoms of COVID-19 are mildly sick but the people who are already suffering with the underlying chronic liver diseases are likely to have more serious consequences caused by corona virus. According to the CDC studies patients who are admitted for COVID-19 have shown the increased levels of liver enzymes namely Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase. These high levels of these enzymes indicate that the liver of the person is temporarily damaged due to the certain illness. In addition to this fact studies also indicated that the COVID-19 patients with underlying chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis and liver related complications are at higher risk of death than the people without the liver illness. There are now Vaccines available for the COVID-19 and whoever is eligible to get them can be vaccinated. COVID-19 can lead to the serious consequences such as lung problems, Pneumonia and Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Pneumoni
Read more

What to Avoid During Hepatitis C?

Image
  The primary function of the liver is to process everything that we eat, drink as well as its absorption. It serves the body like a Filter, Refinery and storage plant. It plays a major role in the conversion of the nutrients which is helpful for functioning of muscles, hormone secretion and working of clotting of immune factors. It can also store vitamins, minerals and sugars that play a key role in maintaining the cholesterol levels in the body. Bile acids produced by the liver are the prominent aspects for the digestion and absorption of the nutrients. However when the liver is not healthy it effects the functioning of the whole body. Foods that are to be avoided during Hepatitis C and liver diseases include: Alcohol: Alcohol when taken by the person with the liver diseases or the Hepatitis C infection it will accelerate the damage of the liver leading to hepatic failure. Drugs: Recreational drugs such as the Marijuana leads to the acceleration of the scarring of the liver ultimat
Read more