9. Itchy Skin: An Agonizing Surface Symphony
One might wonder, what does the skin have to do with a liver ailment? Surprisingly, a lot. Hepatitis C, known for its hepatic havoc, can also manifest symptomatically as itchy skin, a condition technically termed “pruritus“. This isn’t your typical itch that can be scratched away. It’s a relentless, pervasive itchiness that often refuses to be placated.
Delving into the science, the liver plays an integral role in processing bile – a digestive fluid. With Hepatitis C compromising liver function, bile salts can accumulate in the skin, triggering persistent itchiness. The skin becomes a canvas, telling tales of the turmoil within.
For the sufferer, it’s not merely a physical symptom but a psychological battle. The constant itch, the desire to scratch, and the subsequent skin damage all play into an agonizing cycle. Scars and welts become common, telling tales of many a sleepless night. (9)
