TITLE: Chronic hepatitis C and skin diseases: a review.

OBJECTIVE: To emphasize the ongoing role of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the cause or exacerbation of severe dermatologic disorders.

DESIGN: We present two case reports to outline the pertinent findings in hepatitis C-related cryoglobulinemia, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and lichen planus and discuss the main disorders associated with chronic HCV infection.

RESULTS: Chronic HCV infection has recently been recognized in association with various skin disorders. The most commonly reported association is the triad of leukocytoclastic vasculitis, cryoglobulinemia, and chronic HCV infection. Other cutaneous disorders associated with HCV infection include porphyria cutanea tarda, lichen planus, erythema nodosum, urticaria, erythema multiforme, and polyarteritis nodosa.

CONCLUSION: Patients with onset or exacerbation of these disorders should undergo assessment for HCV infection.

AUTHOR: Daoud MS, Gibson LE, Daoud S, el-Azhary RA, Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.; SOURCE: Mayo Clin Proc 1995 Jun;70(6):559-64

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