Skin Diseases Associated With Hepatitis C Virus: Facts and Controversies

The document from 2010 examines the link between Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and skin diseases, particularly noting that HCV can cause systemic disorders like mixed cryoglobulinemia and is a significant cause of skin conditions such as porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) and lichen planus. It states that in regions with high HCV prevalence, there is a strong connection between the virus and these skin diseases. The paper also discusses how the treatment for HCV, especially interferon-alpha2b, may lead to autoimmune side effects. Dermatologists are highlighted as key in spotting skin manifestations of HCV, which appear in about 17% of infected individuals. These skin conditions may be the first or most noticeable indication of an underlying HCV infection. The document also covers the transmission, epidemiology, and diagnosis of HCV, along with the treatment and prognosis of associated skin diseases.