Hepatitis C mostly affects your liver, but it can also damage other organs in your body, including your skin. The initial indications of an illness may be bumps, rashes, and itching patches. Most people who have been infected with the Hepatitis C Virus are asymptomatic for a long period before they realise. This is because there are typically no signs for years. When you observe changes in your skin, it's only an indication that the virus has harmed your liver. Consult your doctor if you detect any skin issues. Taking medication to cure the infection may help you get rid of skin problems related to liver diseases, while also preventing additional health concerns. Your doctor will need to know if you've already been diagnosed with Hepatitis C.
Ascites
Ascites is a fluid accumulation in your abdomen caused by cirrhosis of the liver. Damage to your liver causes high blood pressure in your liver veins, fast weight gain, breathing difficulties, and easy bruising. Your doctor would most likely advise you to undertake a low-salt diet and prescribe diuretics since these are skin signs of liver damage. It will assist your body in getting rid of water. If that fails, there are techniques for removing the fluid. If nothing else works, you may require a liver transplant.
Bruising and bleeding
Your liver produces substances that aid in blood clotting. It can't produce enough when it's injured. You may begin to bleed easily and have difficulty stopping it. You may also bruise easily. Inform your dentist or other doctors before undergoing any medical treatment. Apply pressure bandages to cuts and go to the doctor as soon as possible. In an emergency, you'll be given platelets to replace what you've lost, as well as Vitamin K to help your blood clot.
Edema
Fluid buildup in your body can also cause swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles. Although it is less common, your hands and cheeks may swell as well. As with ascites, your doctor will probably advise you to follow a low-salt diet and use diuretics to assist your body in getting rid of water.
Itching
Toxins that accumulate in your blood and cause jaundice can also cause itching. It might be just in your hands and feet, or it could be all over your body. Some patients claim it feels like their organs are itching. Hepatitis C treatments can also produce dry, itchy skin. If the situation is severe, consult your doctor. Some prescription medications can be beneficial. Oatmeal baths, moisturisers, antihistamines, and cortisone creams can also help. And, if you smoke, stopping might help alleviate some of the irritation.
Jaundice
If you have it, you may notice that your skin and eye whites seem yellowish. This occurs when your liver is unable to break down a substance known as bilirubin. If you have too much of it in your blood, it might cause your skin to become yellow. Jaundice can appear shortly after being infected with Hepatitis C. It can also occur years after the infection and cirrhosis have been present. Consult your doctor if you suspect you have it. To cure the disease, you must first treat the Hepatitis C infection and the liver damage that is causing it.
Lichen Planus
This condition causes purple lumps to form on the wrist, although they can occur elsewhere. This liver disease can also produce lacy red spots or blisters within your mouth. Although it is unknown what causes it, many persons who have lichen planus also have Hepatitis C.
Treatment entails:
- Steroids to reduce edoema and redness.
- Taking antihistamines.
- Light therapy (PUVA) to aid in skin clearing.
- Ointment or tablets containing retinoic acid.
If you have lichen planus, avoid substances that might aggravate it, such as cigarettes, citrous fruits, and tomatoes. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Have your mouth tested for cancer at least once a year.
Acral Necrolytic Erythema (NAE)
This uncommon skin disease might be the first symptom of a Hepatitis C infection. It creates psoriasis-like skin spots on the feet or hands. The reason is unknown, however zinc pills seem to alleviate symptoms swiftly.
Tarda Porphyria Cutanea (PCT)
This disorder produces painful blisters and brittle skin, which worsens in the sun. It occurs when proteins known as porphyrins accumulate in your liver, then enter your circulation and go to your skin. It also results in:
- Skin pigmentation (darkening or lightening)
- Scarring
- Facial hair that is excessive
- Hair thinning
Treatments:
- Regular surgeries to remove blood from your body, known as phlebotomies, are among the treatments. This will gradually restore your iron and porphyrin levels to normal.
- Porphyrin-flushing medication that flushes porphyrins from your liver and into your urine.
- Using sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun and staying out of the sun as much as possible.
Purpura (Blood Spots)
These crimson or purple spots can range in size from a pinhead to half an inch. They can sting or itch. The rash is frequently a sign of cryoglobulinemia in a person with Hepatitis C. It's a blood vessel issue caused by proteins in your blood sticking together in cold conditions. The aggregates accumulate in tiny and medium veins, obstructing blood flow. The condition can be solved with medication that targets the Hepatitis C Virus. If you have a lot of purpura or other symptoms of cryoglobulinemia, your doctor may also prescribe steroid medication. or you can take LivaTone Plus capsules to help restore your liver
Raynaud's Syndrome
If your fingertips become white or blue when exposed to cold, you might have Raynaud’s Syndrome. Your toes, nose, and ears may also be impacted. This occurs when blood vessels constrict in the cold, causing blood flow to slow. You may experience discomfort, numbness, or tingling. If possible, stay out of the cold. If your hands or feet become cold, warm them up as quickly as possible. Stop smoking and de-stress. Consult your doctor to see whether medicine might provide some help. The erectile dysfunction medications sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) can be beneficial.
Spider Angiomas
Spider nevi are groupings of dilated blood veins at the surface of your skin. They can appear anywhere on your body, but they most commonly form on your face. They vanish when you press on them and reappear when you stop. They are not hazardous and do not necessitate treatment.
Terry's Toes
This syndrome, in which your nails become opaque white with pink or reddish brown lines on top, has been related to cirrhosis, among other conditions.
Urticaria
These painful raised welts, commonly known as hives, are frequently associated with Hepatitis. Unlike an allergic response, they can linger for many hours and leave a dark stain. Antihistamines are used by doctors to treat hives.
Medication for Hepatitis C Causes Issues
Some Hepatitis C therapies, like medicine, might have negative effects. The following are the most prevalent skin side effects:
Rash - A rash that is dry and irritating on your hands and feet. Your doctor will diagnose it as pruritus.
Alopecia - Hair loss caused by Hepatitis C therapy is uncommon, although it has been observed in patients.