facial skin rash and Hep. C

[jaxsun]

Hi.  My mother was just diagnosed 3 weeks ago with Hep. C.  This was discovered during a routine exam for a life insurance policy.  She's had no symptoms up to this point and her liver biopsy showed no signs of cirrhosis or cancer.  She has had a facial skin rash on the sides of her face, neck and around her mouth for a year and a half.  The dermatologist is perplexed and doesn't know what it is.  Ofcourse she wasn't aware she had Hep. C at the time.  Is this facial rash a symptom of having Hep. C?  She says it feels like it's coming from undrneath her skin or from within.  Not so much on the surface.  There is a slight raise in the affected area and she says it itches and her skin gets kind of "crepey" feeling as well.  Has anybody heard of this rash, experienced it or have any suggestions as to what she could use to give her some comfort?  We are brand new to all of this and any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[IMstacie]

I would think the dermatologist would know, but psoriasis is a sx of hep c and poor liver function.

[lalapple]

biopsy usually shows stages of liver damage info which would be helpful to decide whether one should start treating or wait to treat later.  good thing she doesn't have cirrhosis or cancer.  good luck with the appt, tell us how it goes!

[jaxsun]

Hi.  We do not know what stage she is in.  She meets with doc. next week.  We are very new to Hep. C and I guess I didn't realize there were "stages" to it.  She's had no symptoms and biopsy was neg. for cancer and cirrhosis.  Not currently taking treatments.  Not sure she wants to.  

Thanks for responding.

[lalapple]

hmmm... i get rashes, but not usually on the face when i am on treatment for hcv.  haven't really heard that rash is a symptom of hcv though.  what stage is she?

best of luck