Hepatitis C virus in dermatology. A review

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 21, 2026

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
13:04

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication

Published on: June 26, 2014

J M Pawlotsky1, D Dhumeaux, M Bagot

  • 1Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Université Paris XII, Créteil, France.

Archives of Dermatology
|October 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes various skin conditions. Early detection and antiviral treatment can benefit patients with these HCV-associated dermatologic disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Dermatology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a primary cause of non-A, non-B viral hepatitis transmitted parenterally.
  • HCV infections can lead to extrahepatic disorders, often mediated by immunologic mechanisms.
  • Understanding the link between HCV and other organ systems is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated overview of Hepatitis C virus (HCV).
  • To review and discuss dermatologic manifestations linked to HCV infection and HCV-induced liver disease.
  • To highlight the importance of considering HCV in patients presenting with specific skin disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on HCV and dermatologic disorders.
  • Categorization of key dermatologic conditions associated with HCV infection.
  • Discussion of the pathogenetic links, including immunologic mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Key dermatologic disorders associated with HCV include vasculitis (especially cryoglobulin-associated), porphyria cutanea tarda, lichen planus (cutaneous/mucosal), and salivary gland lesions.
  • HCV is frequently the underlying cause of cryoglobulin-associated vasculitis.
  • Salivary gland lesions may present with lymphocytic capillaritis and sialadenitis, mimicking Sjögren's syndrome.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis C virus is implicated in a variety of dermatologic disorders.
  • Routine screening for HCV infection is recommended in patients with these associated skin conditions.
  • Antiviral therapy for HCV may offer therapeutic benefits for certain dermatologic manifestations.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Study of Viral Vectors in a Three-dimensional Liver Model Repopulated with the Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line HepG209:13

Study of Viral Vectors in a Three-dimensional Liver Model Repopulated with the Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line HepG2

Published on: October 24, 2016

A Competent Hepatocyte Model Examining Hepatitis B Virus Entry through Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide as a Therapeutic Target11:34

A Competent Hepatocyte Model Examining Hepatitis B Virus Entry through Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide as a Therapeutic Target

Published on: May 10, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
Cirrhosis I: Introduction01:23

Cirrhosis I: Introduction

Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology01:24

Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology

Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...