Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Hep C and Lichen Planus

I am new here. I have had Hep C, GT 1a for approximately 45 years.  I underwent the (awful) peg & ribavirin treatment in 2004 and was considered a "partial responder".  I hopefully will be starting the new oral medication this April.

Following the sudden death of my fiancé in December I broke out in an itchy rash on my wrists, hands, forearms, lower back and feet.  My primary referred me to a derm who biopsied a "bump" from my lower back and diagnosed it as Lichen Planus. Her treatment was a month of Prednisione and Desoximetasone ointment. I also developed the oral Lichen Planus for which I was given yet another steroid in the form of a mouth wash. The steroids caused thrush and I have been treating the thrush naturally with raw vinegar, baking soda, organic plain yogurt and coconut oil pulling with decent results.  

My research has shown there is a correlation between Hep C and Lichen Planus. I am curious if anyone else has experienced this ? I was told it is rare (my luck) with about 2% of the population having it.  I am wondering,  if I attain a SVR  following the new Hep C treatment, will this chronic skin disease go into remission as it is probably linked to the Hep C?

Thanking you for any ideas.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1815939 tn?1377991799
I do not have Lichen Planus. However, several people on the forum do have it and there have been various threads concerning Lichen Planus on the forum.

My research has led me to the same conclusions, that Hepatitis C infection can trigger Lichen Planus. In most of the research it states that Lichen Planus is most likely an Autoimmune Disorder trigger by Hep C, other infections, some other triggers. Apparently, stress can also be a factor.  

To answer your question about whether Lichen Planus will resolve following SVR, I really do not know for sure. If Lichen Planus is an Autoimmune Disorder, as it is felt to be, then it may wax and wane, go into remission, as some Autoimmune Disorders do. In the articles I have read about Lichen Planus, it seems it is common for it to go into remission or disappear after 18-24 months. This, however, is not always the case.

My own personaly opinion is that attaining SVR and thus getting rid of the trigger (or one of the triggers), may aid in keeping the Lichen Planus in remission, once you go into remission. But I don't think there is any guarantee of that.

You have probably already read these articles, but if not, here are a couple:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lichen-planus/basics/definition/con-20026040

http://www.dermnetnz.org/scaly/lichen-planus.html

http://hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Extrahepatic.pdf

Best of luck with your upcoming treatment.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Hepatitis-C-Post-Treatment-Issues/show/1670

You might want to check out this other forum which may help. Have a great day!

jules

Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community

Top Hepatitis Answerers
317787 tn?1473358451
DC
683231 tn?1467323017
Auburn, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Answer a few simple questions about your Hep C treatment journey.

Those who qualify may receive up to $100 for their time.
Explore More In Our Hep C Learning Center
image description
Learn about this treatable virus.
image description
Getting tested for this viral infection.
image description
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
image description
4 steps to getting on therapy.
image description
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
image description
How the drugs might affect you.
image description
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
Popular Resources
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.