Dermitosis

[Jt]

Completed viekira pak svr about 1 1/2 years ago. Have recently benn diagnosed with lechon   dermitosis on both shins. Have been reading about this skin disease and it says people who have this skin disorder should be tested for hep c. Worried if I should be retested. Looking for advice.

[Lynn K]

Found this you may have read this already

“What are causes and risk factors for lichen planus?

The cause of lichen planus is unknown. In certain locales, patients with extensive lichen planus seem to be more likely to have a hepatitis C virus infection of the liver. However, it seems unlikely that the virus is the cause of lichen planus in such situations.

Some drugs, such as those containing arsenic, bismuth, or gold, can produce an eruption which appears identical to lichen planus. Exposure to certain chemicals used in the development of color photographs can also produce a similar rash. The long-term use of the drugs quinacrine or quinidine (Quinidine Gluconate, Quinidine Sulfate), may produce hypertrophic lichen planus of the lower legs. Lichenoid eruptions can occur in graft-versus-host disease in people who have received bone marrow transplants. Tissue examination by a pathologist (biopsy) is frequently necessary to distinguish such lichenoid drug eruptions from classical lichen planus. Of course, stopping the offending drug is associated with resolution of the eruption.”


While there is a possible association with hep c it is more so for people with extensive lichen planus. Otherwise the cause is unknown.

You could consider having the HCV RNA test to know for sure. Don’t have a hep c antibody test as you will always test positive for hep c antibodies because you were previously infected with the virus. You could also just have a liver enzyme test for ALT and AST if they are in normal range you are likely not infected with hep c.

Relapse is very unlikely the most common way to be come positive for hep c after being cured is having a new exposure and so a new infection. This would require having a possible blood to blood contact.

I would recommend you speak with your doctor about your concerns and see a dermatologist for the lichen planus.

Best of luck to you

[Jt]

Thank you for responding. Great advice and I will take it.