reactions to Interferion

I have been on Interferon for 4 months.  Responding really well.  At 3 months Vl was undetablee.  Recently I have started having rashes all over my body.   I feel like Im having an allergic reaction to something but I haven't changed anything.  Did any of you start to experience rashes or server itchiness or dry skin?

[newleaf09]

For me I was allergic to riba with both the cough and the rash.  My rash came first and  was not so bad that it required treatment.  There are several anithitamines like Atarax that can control the itching.  Meds are so dehydrating that the very dry skin is common among everyone on the meds.  Use a mosturizing body wash in the shower, followed by lotion.  Oat meal baths helped me a lot with an allergy to another med.

[nygirl7]

It's very common to develop this rash on treatment.  Mostly we call it riba-rash.  The best thing you can do is to make sure you get a really good lotion - like Gold Bond Triple Threat Anti Itch Medicated Lotion for example and make sure to keep your skin well covered at all times. From what I understand the riba causes a form of eczema. Because we get to dehydrated it is very exasperated.  You have to make sure you keep it on all the time and when it starts to get better don't stop or it will come back.

AT least that is what worked for me and I had it very badly. I scratched so much I still have scars.

Of course if it doesn't go away it might not be the typical riba-rash and you should see your derm doc to make sure.

[vik97]

I also have dry itchy skin during treatment although I have eczema even when I'm not in treatment.  It might be a symptom of hep c.  I also use Gold Bond but Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Lotion with Aloe because the itching hasn't been that bad.

Vik