CHRONIC HEPATITIS “C”;

A DERMATOLOGIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To find spectrum of various dermatological manifestations during hepatitis “C” virus infection in local
population of hyderabad. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted in medicine department of Isra University Hospital
Hyderabad from January 2011 to June 2012. A total of 325 anti-HCV positive patients were enrolled. All patients were subjected to
detailed history, careful clinical examination of skin by a dermatologist to diagnose skin disease. All data was analyzed using statistical
package SPSS 14.0. RESULTS: A total of 325 HCV positive patients (61% males and 39% females) were enrolled in this study. Mean age
was 43 (SD+10 years), ranging from 15 to 78 years. About 41% had one or more dermatologic manifestations. Pruritis was the leading
manifestation found in 11% , lichen planus (oral and cutaneous) was next to be found in 6.7% patients and hyperpigmentation in 5.2%
patients. Urticaria (acute & chronic) was next counting in 5.23%. Jaundice, alopecia and vitiligo were seen in 4.9% each. Dry skin and
interferon injection site erythema were observed in 4.6% patients each. Cutaneous vasculitis was noticed in 3.6% each, while
photosensitivity, psoriasis and Raynaud's phenomenon were seen in 1.8%, 2.5%, 1.5% patients respectively. CONCLUSION:
Dermatological manifestations are very common in patients with chronic HCV infection and when confronted with a suspected skin
lesion, patient should be screened for it. Epidemiological studies are essential to determine the real prevalence of other dermatoses during
course of HCV infection.