Frequency of cutaneous manifestations in patients of hepatitis C infection

Objective To determine the frequency of cutaneous manifestations in patients suffering from hepatitis C infection.

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Methods In this cross-sectional study, one hundred diagnosed patients of hepatitis C, admitted in medical units of Bahawal-Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur were registered over a period of six months. Cutaneous manifestations in these patients were recorded and analyzed.

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Results Out of 100 patients, 51 [51%] were males and 49 [49%] were females. Majority of the patients [73%] were 20 to 59 years old. Most of the patients had more than one cutaneous manifestation. These included generalized pruritus 30%, lichen planus 30%, urticaria 26%, leukocytoclastic vasculitis 25%, necrolytic acral erythema 20% and porphyria cutanea tarda 4%.

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Conclusion Cutaneous manifestations of hepatitis are not uncommon. These may be the first clinical sign of chronic hepatitis C infection. Generalized pruritus, lichen planus, urticaria, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, necrolytic acral erythema and porphyria cutanea tarda were the important cutaneous manifestations recorded. Screening such patients on the basis of these dermatoses and investigating accordingly may help in early diagnosis and prevention of complications of this grave disease.