What does a hep C rash look like? A hepatitis C rash is more like an urticaria. The duration of hepatitis C infection is six months and during such time you will experience skin rashes that are red and itchy. (1, 2, and 3)
picture 1: Hepatitis rashes on the patient's torso.
image source: healthline.com
picture 2: Skin rashes secondary to hepatitis C drugs.
image source: 4.bp.blogspot.com
image source: 3.bp.blogspot.com
image source: pinimg.com
picture 5: Side effects of hepatitis C medication as seen in the presence of rashes on the patient's arms.
image source: sweetaffliction.com
Hep c symptoms rash
Hepatitis C rash manifests itself as an urticarial rash. It has the following characteristics:- widespread rash (3)
- the rashes are red and itchy
- it causes the skin to swell
- the rashes commonly appear on the arms, chest, and torso and rarely on the face including the lips (4)
- the rashes come in rounds and last for a few hours
If you are suffering from a hepatitis C infection and you notice the formation of rashes on your skin, it is a must for you to contact your doctor the soonest time possible. A hepatitis C skin rashes can be a sign of an allergic reaction, but it can also indicate a severe liver damage. Rashes that indicate a possibility of severe liver damage has the following characteristics:
- severe itching in one spot
- presence of spider veins
- redness and brown patches on the skin
- accompanying symptoms include swelling and bleeding of the stomach (4, 5, 6, and 7)
image source: healthline.com
image source: r.hswstatic.com
image source: topky.sk
Hepatitis C rash as a side effect of treatment
The treatment modality for hepatitis C rash can cause rashes such as an injection of anti-hepatitis medication. The rash usually forms in the injection site. If the rashes appear on other parts of the skin, then it is an indication of an allergic reaction to medication. If that is the case, you need to immediately inform your doctor. (6, 7, and 8)Treatment for hepatitis C rash
Hepatitis C rashes are managed using antihistamines and topical medications that can help relieve itch and reduce inflammation. If it is ruled out that the rashes are caused by hepatitis C medication, the doctor will stop the drug and switch to another drug, something that will not cause itchy rashes. The rashes can significantly improve by doing simple things such as limiting your exposure to the extreme heat of the sun, using unscented soap, applying moisturizer, and taking a lukewarm bath. (3, 9, and 10)References
- https://www.healthline.com/health/your-rash-caused-by-hepatitis-c
- https://hepatitisc.net/living/rash/
- https://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/hepatitis-c-skin-problems#1
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2886494/
- https://medicorx.com/hepatitis-c-signs-and-symptoms/
- http://www.hepatitiscentral.com/news/hepatitis_cs_ot/
- https://www.medicinenet.com/hepatitis_c/article.htm
- http://www.thebody.com/h/types-of-skin-rashes-from-hepatitis.html
- https://diethics.com/can-hepatitis-cause-skin-rashes-hcv-symptoms/
- http://www.lucindaporterrn.com/hepatitis-c-and-skin-disorders/
