Skin Problems related to liver diseases is a problem that affects the liver in the most significant way but it can cause issues with other body parts, including the skin. Bumpy skin, rashes, and itchy spots could be the first symptoms you see of the infection.
Most people infected with the hepatitis C virus suffer for several years before they realize they’re suffering from it. It’s because it’s rare to see any signs or symptoms for a long time. If you start to notice skin changes, this is a sign that it’s already caused damage to the liver.
If you are experiencing one of the skin conditions, visit your doctor. The use of medicine to treat the virus could remove your skin’s blemishes and help prevent other health problems, as well. If you have been diagnosed with skin problems related to liver disease, your physician will want to know about any health issues the virus or its treatment might cause.
The Skin Problems Related to Liver Diseases:
- Ascites
- Easy Bleeding and Bruising
- Edema
- Itching
- Jaundice
- Lichen Planus
- Necrolytic Acral Erythema (NAE)
- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT)
- Purpura (Blood Spots)
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon
- Spider Angiomas
- Terry’s Nails
- Urticaria
Ascites
Ascites is a fluid accumulation within your belly that is related to liver scarring, or cirrhosis. The damage to your liver can result in high blood pressure in the veins of your liver and rapid weight increase, trouble breathing, and bruising that is easy to heal.
The doctor may suggest you follow a low-salt food plan and prescribe medicines known as diuretics that aid your body in eliminating water. If this doesn’t work, there are methods to eliminate the fluid. If that doesn’t work, then you might need a liver transplant.
Easy Bleeding and Bruising
The liver produces the substances that aid in the formation of blood clots. When it’s damaged, it can’t make enough. The blood could start to flow quickly and then have difficulty stopping it. You could be bruised easily as well.
Inform your dentist or other physicians before having any procedure, medical or surgical. Use pressure bandages to treat cuts and see a doctor immediately. If you’re in a situation of emergency, you’ll receive platelets to make up for what you’ve lost as well as vitamin K to assist in the formation of blood form clots.
Edema
The buildup of fluid in your body may make your legs, feet, or ankles increase in size. Even though it’s less likely, your face and hands may be affected..
As for ascites, your doctor is likely to advise you to follow a low-salt diet and take medication known as diuretics to aid your body in getting rid of excess water.
Itching
The toxins accumulating inside the blood and can cause jaundice may also cause you to scratch. You might feel it on your feet and hands or throughout your body. Many people claim that it’s like feeling the organs scratch.
Treatments for Hep C may cause itchy, dry skin as well. Consult your physician if the issue is severe. Some prescription medicines can help, and oatmeal baths and moisturizers, antihistamines, and cortisone creams can provide relief. If smoking, stop could reduce the itching.
Jaundice
If you’re suffering from it, you might notice that your skin or those whites around your eyes appear yellowish since your liver doesn’t function well enough to break down the chemical bilirubin. If too much accumulates inside the blood, the skin may color yellow.
Jaundice is a sign of Hepatitis C infection. It may occur after years of inflammation and cirrhosis. Visit your doctor if you believe you’ve got it. To treat the condition, you’ll need to treat Hep C infection and damage to the liver which causes it.
Lichen Planus
This condition manifests as reddish bumps that usually start at the wrist but can appear anywhere on the body. It may cause patches of lacy appearance or sores within the mouth also. It’s unclear the cause, but most people who suffer from lichen planus also suffer from the virus known as hepatitis C.
The treatment includes:
- Steroids to reduce swelling and redness
- Antihistamines if it itches
- The use of light therapy (PUVA) to remove the dirt from the skin.
- Retinoic acid pills or ointments
- Creams and lotions are used to treat eczema.
If you’re suffering from this within the mouth, beware of things that may cause it to get worse, such as tobacco, citrus fruits, or tomatoes. Cleanse your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. Check your mouth for oral cancer at least once a year.
Necrolytic Acral Erythema (NAE)
The rare skin condition could be an early indicator of the Hepatitis C virus. It can cause skin lesions on the hands and feet that resemble Psoriasis. The reason for this isn’t known; however, zinc supplements can be able to treat it quickly.
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT)
The condition can cause pain-inducing skin blisters with fragile and brittle skin, which becomes more fragile when exposed to sunlight. Proteins called porphyrins accumulate in your liver, enter the bloodstream, and move to your skin.
It can also cause:
- Darkening or lightening your skin
- Scarring
- Hair loss in excess hair
- Hair loss
Treatments can include:
- Regularly scheduled procedures for removing fluid from the body are also known as Phlebotomies. This could eventually raise your iron levels and porphyrin levels back to the normal range.
- Drug to eliminate porphyrins and other chemicals out of your body and in your urine
- Your skin is protected from sun damage by using sunblock and keeping out of the sun for as long as you can
Purpura (Blood Spots)
- The flaws, which are purple or red, maybe more minor than pinheads or as significant as a quarter of an inch. They may cause pain or itching. If you suffer from Hepatitis C, it is an indication of cryoglobulinemia.
- The blood vessels disorder occurs when the blood proteins are clumped together during cold temperatures. The clumps accumulate in medium and small vessels, which can block blood flow.
- A medication that fights the Hep C virus may solve the issue. If you’re experiencing a lot of purpuras, as well as other problems resulting caused by cryoglobulinemia, you might prescribe steroid medication also.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
- If your hands turn blue or white in the cold, it’s an indication of this disorder. Your nose, toes, or ears may be affected as well. The cause is when blood vessels contract during cold temperatures and blood flow is slowed. It is possible to be experiencing the sensation of pain and numbness and sensations of tingling.
- Keep your fingers out of the cold as much as you can. If your feet or hands get cold, heat them as soon as possible. Do not smoke and reduce stress. Talk to your doctor about whether medications can provide some relief. It is possible that the Erectile dysfunction medication sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) could assist.
Spider Angiomas
These blood vessels dilated near the skin’s surface are also known as spider nevi. They can be found everywhere on your body, and however, they usually appear on your trunk and face when you press on them and return when you put them down.
They’re not harmful and don’t need treatment.
Terry’s Nails
A condition where your nails are opaque white with reddish-brown or pink lines along the top has been linked to cirrhosis among other illnesses. Be aware of nail changes that could indicate disease.
Urticaria
Hives, which are itchy, raised welts, are often associated with Hepatitis. In contrast to the allergic response, the bumps may persist for more than a couple of hours and leave the skin with a brown stain.
Doctors treat allergies by using antihistamines.
Problems Caused by Hepatitis C Medication
As with all medicines, specific Hepatitis C treatments may cause unwanted side effects. The most commonly reported skin-related side effects are:
The rash.
A dry, itchy rash appears on your feet and hands, and the doctor will refer it to as pruritus.
Alopecia.
Loss of hair resulting from hepatitis C treatment can be uncommon. However, it has occurred.