Treatment-Associated Disorders
Pegylated interferon-alpha with ribavirin is the standard of care for treating chronic HCV infection. Interferon causes cutaneous reactions in about 10% of patients (Stafford-Fox & Guindon, 2000). Most of these are nonspecific eczematous and lichenoid reactions (Sookoian et al., 1999); however, interferon also has been associated with the development of psoriasis, vitiligo, and sarcoidosis (Hurst & Mauro, 2005; Simsek, Savas, Akkiz, & Telatar, 1996). Although rare, ribavirin can trigger a photosensitivity reaction to ultraviolet B light (Dereure, Raison-Peyron, Larrey, Blanc, & Guilhou, 2002). Combination therapy increases the incidence of cutaneous reactions to 30%. Again, most are nonspecific reactions and are rarely cause for cessation of therapy.
Dermatology Nursing. 2006;18(5):425-430. © 2006 Jannetti Publications, Inc.
Cite this: Overview of Hepatitis C and Skin - Medscape - Oct 01, 2006.
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