The HCV Infection

Many infected individuals do not experience any symptoms, but some people do show a variety of symptoms including fatigue, an abnormal color of urine and stool, joint pain, jaundice, itchy skin, and abdominal pain (Naoroz et al. 2015). During the early, or acute phase of HCV infection, the HCV enters the liver and takes over liver cells. In response to the viral invasion, our immune cells attack both virus and the liver cells infected with the virus. As a result, these liver cells become inflamed and eventually die. Over time, scar tissues form around dead and infected liver cells. The scar tissues make it difficult for the liver from proper functioning. Cirrhosis refers to a condition that many scar tissues on the liver, in which blood …show more content…
Recent studies show that HCV is not only limited to liver related diseases but the infection also extends to a variety of skin conditions. The most common skin issues were severe itching (pruritus), reddening of skin on the palm of hands and soles of feet (Palmar erythema), deformity of the finger and toenails (Clubbing), patches of skin darkening (Hyperpigmentation), Jaundice, and much more (Zonunsanga, 2015). Some the dermatological issues may be harmless but can develop into potential health complications. Also, HCV infection can cause numerous eye disorders. There were documented cases of Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes), and Mooren’s ulcers. Mooren’s ulcer is a painful ulceration of the cornea and tends to develop quickly (Zonunsanga, 2015). The number of reported cases is small, but there is chronic hepatitis C patients developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma and researchers recognize the hematological alterations have a close association with hepatitis c infection (Peveling-Oberhag et al. 2013). Hepatitis c infected patients have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance, and rheumatoid arthritis (Beltz,