Chronic hepatitis ''C''; a dermatologic perspective

ABSTRACT

To find spectrum of various dermatological manifestations during hepatitis "C" virus infection in local population of hyderabad. 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. 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 and 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. 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