Because of the hep c treatment my siin is peeling very bad.

[booet390]

I am on treatment for hep c why is my skin  exfoliating on its own? i do not know whats going on.my sin is so dry that it started cracking.now it is like my skin is peeling and starting over yes this hurts so bad. i have used every thing otc my skin looks as if i have been burned there is no other way of saying it.

[Marcia2202]

If you can get your hands on Biotherm Ultra Rich Balm (orange bottle), it worked wonders on me.

I wasn't peeling as badly as you were, but was extremely dry and it took the itch and cracks away within just a few minutes. The skin on my legs almost looked like reptile skin, within a few days it was nice and supple again.

[medicmommy]

I just remembered something else that worked VERY well. -Lanolin. You have to work it in, but it is natural, and it absorbs, leaving the skin soft and non-peeling. Put on a good layer at night, cover your hands/feet in cotton gloves or socks and go to bed. This is one of the components of bag balm (another bit of heaven when dealing with dry skin).
Something that has me concerned though, id you are experiencing actual peeling -especially of your palms and soles of your feet, you may be having a systematic reaction to the treatment that can be dangerous, -resulting in kidney failure. Please, PLEASE, get this looked at ASAP if you haven't already. I've seen this reaction in patients who have taken heavy antibiotics, and it makes them quite ill. Hang in there..Hopefully this is nothing more than an enthusiastic treatment reaction...~MM

[imhermom]

I have always had extremely dry skin.  Now that it is even worse, I put on a greasy cream or unscented bath oil on damp skin after shower, then "seal" it in with Aveeno!  I carry Glysomed or some other hand cream and put it on constantly just to keep ahead of the game.  I use rubber gloves for dishes and cleaning.  I have to be religious in my moisturizing or I am miserable.

If it is peeling that badly I would see my dermatologist or HCV nurse or dr.  I hope you get some relief.

[James10500]

I couldn't agree more.

[viaduk]

Skin issues can be a nightmare!  If you can get some sun rays on your body  (moderate cause of riba rash) it may help.  The only thing that gave me some relief was regular visits to dermatologist's ultraviolet light treatment machine.  Also, there is a product called "bag balm" that is available at walmart, walgreens, etc. that is an excellent (though greasy) moisturizer.  Good luck!

V

[Diane12855]

I doubt very seriously that HCV can come out through your pores since it is a blood borne virus. If it came out through your pores it would be a whole lot more contagious than it is.


booet390: I want to re-ask James' question... how much water are you drinking? Drinking adequate amounts is vital during tx. I agree that you need to see a dermatologist but while you are waiting for that appointment, try increasing the amount of water you are drinking and apply a good lotion like Gold Bond daily... it works wonders with my itching skin.

Diane

[James10500]

Can you show me a clinical study that says the Hep C virus comes out through your pores. I've never heard that before. I've hep C for 40 years I never had skin issues until tx.  I'd be interested in reading that study,

[mdpf]

the hep c and the different things that the liver can not process, what did you think?

[James10500]

What toxic virus comes out through your pores ?

[mdpf]

I to have had this problem, the only difference is i am not on treatment.  I was told that the itching and the rash are a direct result of a certain hormone, that i can't spell, and the toxic virus is come out through the pores...I take atarax, this medications requires a build up before you see real effects, about 1 week.  for the rash, my derm gave me a steroid cream.  other than that moisturizing bath gel, lotions (aveeno, nivea..)and don't forget about humidifeir in the rooms that you spend the most time, livingroom, bedroom......that helps more than you would think...good luck

[James10500]

How much water do you drink per hour ?

[Willy50]

This was addressed also in

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/My-own-skin-is-turning-against-me/show/1422341?personal_page_id=1939332#post_6483679

Here is my take on it.  You need to get a referral from your doctor and be seen very very soon by a dermatologist, particularly one who is familiar with the effects of this TX for HCV.  The culprit here is likely the riba.

First of all the skin is a very important first line of defense against infection and quite often when on TX ones ability to fight off bacterial infection is diminished.  I personally feel that you may NEED medical attention, and not just to "tough it out".

It is possible that you may need to reduce the riba intake.

It may be however that a dermatologist can prescribe something to ease your pain and prevent more severe skin issues.  If the condition becomes worse they may stop the treatment completely.  Prevention may be the best action in this case.....

There is a time and place for advice from bulletin boards and a time and place for medical care, doctors and specialists.  I seems as though it may be time to be seen again and get an evaluation and possible referral.

best,
Willy