Both hepatitis C and hepatitis C medications can cause a rash, such as hives. Related symptoms affecting the skin include spider veins and dry patches.
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a virus that affects the liver. If left untreated, chronic hepatitis C can even lead to liver failure.
Hepatitis C can also cause skin rashes that should not go untreated. Liver damage and side effects of hepatitis C treatment can cause rashes, too.
Hepatitis C is characterized by inflammation (or swelling) of the liver. Since the liver is involved in numerous important functions, such as digestion and metabolism, your body will be affected when it’s not working properly.
Hepatitis causes a variety of symptoms, with the most notable being:
- jaundice, or yellow skin and eyes
- abdominal pain
- dark urine
- light-colored stools
- fever
- excessive fatigue
As the infection persists and progresses, you may notice other symptoms, including rashes.
Acute hepatitis C is characterized by a short-term infection typically lasting 6 months or less. During infection, you may experience itchy, sometimes red rashes as your body works to get rid of the virus on its own.
Rashes can be challenging to diagnose because they can have numerous causes. When you have hepatitis C, a new rash can certainly be concerning. It’s helpful to know the most common places where rashes develop.
Aside from at the injection sites, hepatitis-C-related rashes are most common on the chest, torso, and arms. Acute hepatitis C can even cause temporary facial rashes or lip swelling.
Although HCV itself is contagious, none of the rashes hepatitis C causes are contagious. They are largely secondary to an immune response to the virus or to treatment.
Urticaria (hives)
Urticaria (hives) is a common rash that can be caused by many triggers, including viral infections (like hepatitis C), allergies, cold, and stress.
Hives look like a widespread, itchy skin rash comprised of numerous raised welts. Depending on your skin tone, hives may appear red or similar to your natural complexion.
Hives can cause the skin to swell, and they often come in rounds that last for several hours. This type of rash also occurs as a result of certain allergic reactions.
Other rashes
Other conditions that may be associated with chronic hepatitis C that occur outside the liver include:
- cryoglobulinemia, a vascular disease caused by high levels of the blood protein cryoglobulin and may cause systemic symptoms as well as skin lesions and ulcerations
- porphyria cutanea tarda, a disease caused by an enzyme deficiency to which people with hepatitis C may be more susceptible and can present with sensitivity to the sun, blisters, and scarring
- lichen planus, an inflammatory disease that often causes an itchy rash that’s often purple or red but can have many different presentations, and can even occur in the mouth
Cryoglobulinemia is
Acute hepatitis C can also transition into a chronic illness. Severe liver damage
A rash can indicate severe liver damage. Rashes that may reflect liver damage include:
- redness
- brown patches
- extremely dry patches
- severe itching in one spot
- development of spider veins
Other signs of profound liver damage include stomach swelling and bleeding that won’t stop.
Your liver is necessary for survival, so if it’s severely damaged, your doctor may refer you to be evaluated for a liver transplant.
Oral hepatitis C medications are most commonly used today, and are generally well tolerated.
Less commonly used today are injectable medications, and some of them have been linked to causing rashes. In such cases, rashes may develop at the injection site as a sign of irritation.
Cold packs and hydrocortisone cream may alleviate discomfort and itchiness as the rash heals. If you experience rashes that are not at the injection site, this can be a sign of a rare reaction to your medication. Call a doctor right away.
The scope of treatment for a hepatitis-C-related rash depends on the exact cause.
For acute HCV infections, the first course of action is usually to treat the rashes with antihistamines and topical ointments. They’ll alleviate the itch. Chronic HCV rashes are more challenging to treat due to the ongoing nature of the disease.
Speak with your medical professional if you have hepatitis C and develop any new rashes.
If your rashes are caused by certain hepatitis C medications, your doctor will likely switch your medication. This should help prevent the development of rashes.
You can also decrease the intensity of your rashes by:
- limiting sun exposure
- taking lukewarm or cool baths
- using moisturizing, unscented soaps
- applying lotion right after bathing or showering
Skin rashes can be attributed to hepatitis C itself as well as the treatments for it. Sometimes a rash can develop that has nothing to do with hepatitis C. It’s difficult to self-diagnose a rash, so it’s best to see a medical professional.
It’s important that you see a medical professional as soon as you notice any unusual skin changes. They can determine whether an underlying condition caused the rash. They can also create an appropriate treatment plan to clear up the rash.