A current online article, Hepatitis C, by Sandeep Mukherjee (et al.) provides a good overview of HCV and is worth bookmarking here. The images from Walter Reed Army Medical Center Dermatology, slides 7-48, convey potential effects of HCV on skin/mucosa in ways that medical codes, phrases like “secondary to HCV” or words in VA manuals cannot adequately communicate. You can view them in “Multimedia Library” in the left menu.
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/177792-overview
I appreciate the details the authors have provided for clues on/in skin that might point to HCV infections. For example, unexplained pruritus (itching) is strongly associated with HCV in about 15% of infected patients. See “presentation/history” for other manifestations that can be easily overlooked as related to HCV.
Another article, Cutaneous Manifestations of Hepatitis C, by Robert A. Schwartz, MD, (et al.) uses the same set of public domain images. There is mention of new findings such as HCV in epidermis cells.
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1134161-overview
Prior to my DH’s diagnosis of HCV, he began to develop painful lesions on his scalp. Later, neither his private internist, hepatologist, or dermatologist (who biopsied them) knew what they were. After treatment, the lesions healed leaving scars; they are just called sores in his treatment records. Not very helpful. In 2003-2004, three smart doctors did not associate his skin markers to HCV even after the diagnosis. Hopefully they could connect the dots today.
ed. note: Randy! Read this.
asknod
Bethanie Spangenberg
kcraveiro
robinhoodesqvetsatty
Wesley McCauley
Veterans Claims Help 
After seeing Dermatology, Allergists, Neurologists, Psychologists ( crazy huh?) and oh yeah the Endocrinologist and Hepatologist I had to do the demanding format even though Bilirubin limits were within normal limits. All tried to point the finger at the others and so it got to the point where I pointed a finger of my own. I researched for days and then went back to the Hepatologist and asked why it was not considered to be due to Hep-C. Sorry ole boy but your labs were normal in that area. My response set him back on his heels when I put forth the fact that there are those with Hep-C that are highly sensitive to their own Bilirubin. Research paid off and he was left scratching his head instead of me. He called later in the day and concurred that yes it is not out of the realm of possibility, say maybe 50-50. Good enough for inclusion in my recent decision. So there you have it boys and girls, the research kicked their butts and even though the itching persists I can now receive medication that might help although I am on trial medication #3. Good luck.
There is so much more to learn. It’s good you persisted.
I ask for and give no quarter! The VA absolutely abhors the information available via the internet but I find an issue and pick at it until I am satisfied that I can, at the very least, hold my own. Giddyup!
lichen planus and PCT are common among chronic HCV patients. Lichen Planus is the “itch from hell” and left scars on my right forearm.
You are absolutely right about the Lichen Planus. My husband has it on his arm, feet and face
Well, well… this sure explains a LOT.
Thanks Kiedove.
You are welcome. New to me as well.