The Role of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Patients with Chronic Generalized Pruritus

Lichen nitidus is an uncommon dermatosis of unknown etiology. Here we present the case of a generalized lichen nitidus with involvement of the palms in a patient with hepatitis C after systemic treatment with interferon α and ribavirin. Furthermore in our patient we could show a strong lesional expression of MxA, a protein specifically induced by type I interferon. It is tempting to speculate that interferon α may be involved in the pathogenesis of lichen nitidus.

show abstract

“…Pruritus is unusual in chronic hepatitis [24]. LN-like skin lesions can be found in about 30% of all patients suffering from LP [25].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Generalized Lichen Nitidus with Involvement of the Palms following Interferon α Treatment

Scheler

Proelss²,

Bräuninger³

et al. 2007

Dermatology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…They deduced that HCV testing is not justified in patients with CGP when no risk factors are present . Aydingöz et al also investigated 50 patients with CGP and found only two (4%) patients with positive HCV, which was only slightly higher than the rate in the general population . However, in both studies, compared to the HCV incidence rate of that area, the population of their study seems to be of a small proportion.…”

Section: Main Textmentioning

confidence: 92%

Infectious differential diagnosis of chronic generalized pruritus without primary cutaneous lesions: a review of the literature

2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Pruritus is one of the most common complaints among patients referred to a dermatology clinic. “Chronic generalized pruritus” is described as the sensation of itching on the entire body surface, which lasts at least 6 or more weeks. This symptom can be a disabling phenomenon for patients and may sometimes interfere with daily activities such as sleep. If specific dermatological findings are observed, the physician easily comes to a diagnosis and treats the condition, whereas, when primary lesions are not detected, the diagnosis can become challenging, and some patients have to undergo extensive evaluations. The association between some systemic disorders and chronic generalized pruritus is widely known and confirmed. Many infections have been associated with pruritus, but few are considered to cause chronic generalized pruritus without any characteristic skin lesions. We aimed to gather all the available data on infectious causes of chronic generalized pruritus with no diagnostic cutaneous lesions to assist fellow physicians in the process of evaluation of these challenging cases.

show abstract

“…Thus, obtaining hepatitis C antibodies as a screening test is not worthwhile. 54 Medications may cause pruritus by inducing hepatitis or cholestasis. Criteria for drug-induced hepatic reactions are suggestive if symptoms and/or signs occur within 5-90 days of use.…”

Section: Medical Conditions Causing Pruritusmentioning

confidence: 99%

What lies beneath the surface of the itch in adults?

Weldon¹

2007

allergy asthma proc

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Pruritus is synonymous with itching. Many medical conditions are complicated by chronic pruritus compromising the patient's quality of life. The majority of pruritic stimuli are transmitted through C fibers into the lateral spinothalamic tract and then into the somatic sensory cortex where the itching is detected. Histamine, substance P, and tumor necrosis factor a play significant roles in the perception of pruritus. Medical conditions in adults with significant pruritus will be defined in this review.

show abstract

The Role of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Patients with Chronic Generalized Pruritus

Cited by 7 publications

References 7 publications

Generalized Lichen Nitidus with Involvement of the Palms following Interferon α Treatment

Generalized Lichen Nitidus with Involvement of the Palms following Interferon α Treatment

Infectious differential diagnosis of chronic generalized pruritus without primary cutaneous lesions: a review of the literature

What lies beneath the surface of the itch in adults?

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About