Chest and hand rash hepatitis

[disi]

Hi,
The past few months, after having unprotected sex, i have been experencing a number of unexplained symptoms. I have tested negative out to seven months for HIV, but do not think i have been tested for hepatitis. I will go to the GUM this week, and ask for a test. I was wondering if a rash is common in a new infection, i have very red blotchy hands, and a blotchy red rash across my stomach and chest. The rash on my hands seems to fade if i raise my hands, but become very red and mottled again when i lower them. Does this sound indicitive of a hepatitis infection? Also does would a liver function test be different in recent infection, i recently had a liver function test, which returned normal.
Would be grateful for any help!
Worried UK.

[chcnme]

Hi disi and Wyntre.  I had the same thing - not only on my palms but on my legs  (the mottled, red appearance).  "Palmar erythema"  (when it involves the palms)   is what it's called -- if this is what you're talking about (and it sure sounds like palmar erythema).  It can typically be seen with Hep C (in fact the docs usually check your palms - or mine does, each time I go for a visit).  Palmar erythema can also be NOTHING  (or be totally benign), or it can come on from other conditions, but it's most assuredly seen with Hep C  (or liver disease).   I don't have it anymore (for whatever reason).  My palms got red and mottled like that about 2 years after acute hep in the 70's and lasted for.... at least 3 or 4 years, I guess, and then - one day I noticed I didn't have red palms anymore, and it has never come back.   When I had it, I could raise or shake my arms and it would go away.  I also had the same red, mottled appearance on my legs then, too (most notably on the backs of my legs).  It was really weird looking, and what was weirder was - it would go away if I got the blood circulating more to my legs - like get up and walk around.  But if I stood for long periods without moving my legs,  they would get mottled looking quickly.  To get that mottled leg syndrome to disappear quick, all I had to do was move my legs  (which, when standing in a long line somewhere -- I did a lot :)   It never hurt, didn't itch, it just looked weird.  I don't have either now (red palms or red legs).  

[disi]

Okay, so am pretty frustrated right now, am currently looking for smoewhere to test me for Hep c, if not just for peace of mind. I have had some routine bloodwork done, as the doctor agress something is going on. My full blood count is normal, as is ESR, and liver function test is in normal range...does anybody know if any of these would/'should', be any different if i had been infected with Hep C?

Any help would be greatly recieved!

[disi]

Hey, sorry if i caused any confusion too...the heand rash has been baffling me for months now...no docotrs seem to worried, i suppose it's just a bit unsettling to have symptoms and find no cause, and then to be rufused a test. If i find out the cause of the rash, will be sure to let you know though! Did your rash start after a Hep diagnosis (if you do have it that is)?

[wyntre9]

No.

The rash started a long time ago, on and off.

I was diagnosed with hep in October or November of 2006.

I was tested because my liver enzymes were above normal range. (it had nothing to do with the hand rash)  I have bloodwork and a complete physical every year.  This is the first time the enzymes rose above normal range. (that I know of and I've been seeing the same Doctor since 1994.)

Anyway, i don't think hand rashes are a major symptom of Hep.  But when I have a chance, I'm gonna google it or maybe someone will post other info.

Good Luck

[wyntre9]

I thought I wrote that I'd had the hand rashes for two decades!

I have no idea whether or not that's related to hep-c.

I wouldn't ask for a hep-c test just on the basis of a hand rash!

I was just interested to know what, if anything, you find out about it.

Sorry for the confusion.

Wyntre

[disi]

Wyntre, have you been diagnose with Hep c?....I went to the GUM today, the doctor didnt seem to bothered by it either, she wouldn't test me for Hep B, as i had vaccination last year, and REFUSED to test me for Hep c, said unless im an intravenous drug user, the risk from sex is so small that they do not test unlesss there are 'special' circumstances.They tested me for everything else, except HIV, which i was tested for last week, (negative after seven months).

[disi]

sorry...also did you have these hand symptoms before or after diagnosis?....Im getting really worried about this now, and angry that they refuse to take the test. especially with all these unexplained symptoms! grrrrrrrr

[wyntre9]

"The rash on my hands seems to fade if i raise my hands, but become very red and mottled again when i lower them."

I've had exactly that symptom for decades.  It's never been painful, just unattractive when it happens and sometimes I get a sensation of heat.  I always figured that was coz of the redness.

I have asked doctors about it and no one ever seemed too concerned.  One told me it may have something to do with the blood surging toward your fingers when the hands are lowered.

Anyway, if you ever DO find out there is a correlation between that and hep-c, please let us know.

Wyntre

[GrandmaA]

A rash can be caused by so many different things - food allergy, or conditioner in the laundry dryer.

[new41]

Go for the test good luck.

[GrandmaA]

I would definitely get it checked out throughly by the doctor. You might want to see the dermatologist.

[GrandmaA]

The only skin problem I had (before treatment) was itching on the right palm only. It is called liver palm. It used to itch a lot when my AST/ALTs were high.