Does hep c cause itchy skin?

If you’re a hep C sufferer, you might have noticed an itching sensation. The kind of itch that crawls under your skin and makes you want to just scratch until kingdom come. So what’s the deal? Is this yet another symptom to chalk up in the “sucks to be me” category or is there more going on here? In this article, we’ll dive into why hep C sometimes causes itchy skin (spoiler alert: we don’t really know).

What is Hepatitis C?

Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s make sure everyone knows what hepatitis C actually is (and no, it’s not related to playing too many rounds of mini golf).

Hepatitis C is a virus that attacks the liver and can result in long-term damage like cirrhosis or cancer if left untreated. It’s usually contracted through exposure to infected blood (like sharing needles) but can also be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. Fun times all around.

Symptoms

Some people with hepatitis C won’t experience any symptoms for years after being infected (aka being asymptomatic), while others will develop flu-like symptons within 2 weeks-6 months after infection (talk about unpredictable). Other common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain and depression.

So where does itching fit into all of this? Let’s find out!

Why Does Hepatitis C Cause Itching?

Unfortunately, scientists aren’t exactly sure why some people with hepatitis see itchiness as part of their symptom repertoire (sometimes science sucks).

One theory suggests its because damaged liver cells release bile salts into the bloodstream which trigger nerve endings throughout your body (what fun party tricks!) While other research points towards inflammation caused by hep c causing histamine production – known culprit behind our bodies’ response to allergens – leading to itchiness (cue Homer Simpson voice Mmm…histamines…)

But until more concrete evidence is available, we’re left with these ‘theories’.

When Does The Itching Happen?

While the specific cause of itching remains unclear, at least it will typically happen when hepatitis has reached a chronic stage (when in doubt blame everything on your ex)

Also, it turns out women tend to experience the symptom more often than men. So if you needed another reason to envy dudes…

Can Anything Help Relieve The Itch?

As far as treatments go (remember there’s currently no cure for hep C) methods to relieve itchiness largely center around addressing underlying causes.

Here are some tips that might help:
– Moisturize dry skin (Hepatitis and banana lotion sounds like an interesting combo)
– Use anti-itch creams Corticosteroid cream or oatmeal baths can help alleviate symptoms
– Cool compresses can also provide relief
– Pro tip: try keeping those cooling eye masks in your freezer for max chill factor

Of course, make sure you talk to your doctor about what treatment options work best for YOU. Don’t just rely on Doctor Google!

What Not To Do

While indulging in a good scratchy-scratch session might seem tempting (and hey let’s be honest – kind of satisfying), resist the urge! Scratching too much could potentially break open sores and lead to infections (Shudders)

Final Thoughts

Itching isn’t fun but neither is hepatitis C as a whole (although maybe they should look into creating some sort of ‘Heppy Fun Time Kit’ accessory line!) Take steps towards staying healthy and getting the proper treatment requires patience and dedication. But sticking with it maximizes chances for feeling better long-term.

(Image source: https://www.pngfind.com/imgs/m/supply-wanted-poster-png-graphic-novel-vector-free.png)

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