Dermatological Manifestations of Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a and Ribavirin Combination Therapy in Chronic HCV Patients

June 2016 in “ Afro-Egyptian Journal of Infectious and Endemic Diseases ”

Mohamed Hamed Khater, Fathia M. Khattab, Mohamed Refaey

pegylated interferon alfa2a ribavirin hair loss cutaneous side effects pruritus hypertrichosis lichen planus generalized pigmentation

TLDR Most patients on this hepatitis C treatment experienced skin issues, especially hair loss.

A study conducted at Alahrar Center in Egypt observed dermatological side effects in 116 chronic hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated interferon alfa2a and ribavirin. Over one year, 97% of patients experienced at least one cutaneous side effect, with hair loss being the most common, affecting 69 patients. Other frequent issues included pigmented oral lichen planus (43%), pruritus (43%), hypertrichosis of eyelashes (36%) and eyebrows (34%), and generalized pigmentation (27%). The study highlighted the prevalence of these side effects, emphasizing the need for awareness and management during treatment.

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