8 signs on the skin that can be symptoms of hepatitis C do not ignore
Hepatitis C not only damages the liver but also causes symptoms on your skin. Join us to learn about the signs on the skin, the symptoms of hepatitis C and how to treat it!
Probably everyone knows that hepatitis C wreaks havoc on the liver and eventually leads to cirrhosis and liver cancer. But what few people know is that hepatitis C can also cause skin changes.
How hepatitis C affects the body
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is most often transmitted through the blood, such as by sharing needles, says Alexander Koo, medical director of liver transplantation at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.
He said that sexually transmitted hepatitis C still exists, but it is very rare. In healthy adults, HCV is more likely to be contracted by sharing toothbrushes or razors than by sex. Using contraception during sex further reduces the risk.
People with hepatitis C often don't realize they're infected. During the early stages of infection, most people have no symptoms,
says Dr. Koo. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to diagnose the disease before it begins to cause long-term damage to the body.
In line with the Centers for the prevention of illness (CDC),
people who should have a blood test once to detect the hepatitis C virus even before they have symptoms are people who may have been in contact with an infected person, children of mothers with hepatitis C. Tattooists, tattooists, and those who used injectable drugs. In particular, people who regularly inject drugs should undergo regular screening tests.
Over time, chronic inflammation from untreated hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis or scarring of the liver.
Skin symptoms associated with hepatitis C
Impaired liver function can have serious adverse effects on skin health. Hepatitis C treatment is the only sure way to get rid of skin problems associated with viral hepatitis, but there are also several ways to relieve skin symptoms.
The following are some skin abnormalities caused by hepatitis C.
Mixed cryoglobulinemia proteins
Mixed cryoglobulinemia proteins are the most common skin disorders associated with hepatitis C infection. They occur when HCV virus particles are deposited in small blood vessels, which leads to their inflammation. Then they appear on the skin in the form of prominent red bumps resembling rashes, known as purpura - and in some severe cases, skin ulcers.
Treatment:
if the condition is caused by hepatitis C, the only way to treat it is to treat hepatitis C.
Causes of itching
According to a study published in February 2017 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, itching is a very itchy sensation that can appear all over the body, a common symptom of chronic hepatitis C on the skin. One theory says that the HCV virus promotes the body's production of cytokines, proteins that help stimulate the immune system.
How to treat: topical moisturizers and antipruritic drugs (such as camphor skin creams) can help stop itching.
Lichen planus
Lichen planus (abbreviated LP) is a skin condition that appears mainly on the wrists and arms in the form of red, flat, scaly bumps of a purple or red hue and can lead to swelling, itching, and irritation. In people with hepatitis C, it can appear inside the mouth, causing white spots and painful sores.
There seems to be a correlation between LP and HCV, but the correlation is still unclear. A February 2019 review in the journal Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine notes that although several hypotheses have been proposed, "none of them clearly explain" the link between the two. This disease.
Treatment:
like mixed cryoglobulin, the most effective treatment for HCV-associated LP is the treatment of hepatitis itself. A small study published in July 2016 in the journal Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology found that direct-acting antiviral drugs used to treat hepatitis C are also effective in treating LP. Lifestyle changes, such as good oral hygiene and avoiding spicy or acidic foods, can help reduce irritation.
Endocrine and metabolic disorders
Endocrine and metabolic disorders (PCT) is also common skin condition in people with hepatitis C, and it causes severe sensitivity to sunlight (sometimes even photosensitivity).
PCT occurs when liver dysfunction occurs in the metabolism of porphyrin, an important compound that helps transport oxygen to cells. When porphyrin accumulates, it can make the skin weak and sensitive to light, and even cause excessive hair growth.
Unlike LP, there is strong evidence that HCV and PCT are directly related. The majority of pct cases involve people with chronic liver disease caused by Viral Hepatitis, alcohol, or excess iron.
How to deal with it: since pct causes photosensitivity, staying out of the sun, and wearing sunscreen or long-sleeved shirts and long pants are your first lines of defense against it. Dr. Koo says that avoiding alcohol, smoking, and drugs is also important for maintaining liver health.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a "well-known" phenomenon associated with liver diseases in general and not just hepatitis C. It usually occurs when the liver does not process red blood cells properly which causes a substance called bilirubin to accumulate in the blood.
Treatment: the only way to treat jaundice caused by hepatitis C is to treat liver disease. It is also important to stop drinking alcohol and any medications that your doctor has not prescribed (including over-the-counter painkillers and other supplements) to prevent negative effects on the liver.
Skin that bruises easily
The impaired liver function reduces the number of platelets in the blood, which can lead to easy bruising and uncontrollable bleeding. Easy skin bruises can be a sign of advanced liver disease. If these symptoms appear, you should immediately go to the hospital for examination or consult a doctor.
Treatment: prevention is better than cure. Avoid violent activities that put you at risk of injury. At the first sign of a bruise, lift the area above your heart and apply ice. This can prevent the bruise from spreading. If you cut your hand, do the same as if you had a bruise, that is, raise the affected area higher than the heart to slow the bleeding, but consult a doctor if the bleeding does not stop.
Raynaud's syndrome
Raynaud's syndrome occurs when parts of the body, especially the fingers and toes, suddenly feel cold and numb, making them pale when exposed to cold or stress. When reheated, they can become red and inflamed. The cause of Raynaud's syndrome is still unknown, as scientists speculate that it may be due to an increase in red blood cells or a narrowing of the capillaries.
Treatment: Raynaud's syndrome is usually not dangerous, so the measures to relieve symptoms are simple and very effective. You just need to stay warm even indoors, wear socks and gloves, and exercise regularly to improve blood circulation. It is also important to stay away from things that can constrict capillaries, such as smoking, caffeine, and salty foods.
Arachnoid hemangioma
Arachnoid hemangiomas are small red dots resembling a spider web that often appear on the face, neck, and trunk. One notable feature is that when you press it, it will disappear and turn red again when you release your hand.
Unlike Raynaud's syndrome, Spider hemangiomas are caused by blood vessels dilating, usually due to high estrogen levels in the blood. When the liver is damaged by hepatitis C, the liver cannot metabolize estrogen effectively.
Treatment: these are usually harmless, but they can be ugly, especially if they appear on the face and neck. Dermatologists can remove spider hemangiomas using a laser, electric current, or an injection of a drug that empties a vein. However, Spider hemangiomas can reappear after such treatments, so the best way to get rid of them is to treat hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C treatment can help alleviate the condition of the skin
The good news is that significant progress has been made in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C with the use of direct-acting antiviral drugs, which significantly reduce the viral load enough to cure the disease.
Taking the drug once a day for 8-12 weeks will increase its effectiveness, and the cure rate is more than 95%. Unlike previous hepatitis C treatments, direct-acting antivirals are very safe and have minimal side effects. When hepatitis C is treated, all related skin problems will also disappear.