| [ Summary ] |
Numerous extrahepatic disorders have been recognised in association with HCV infections. The spectrum of HCV also covers several skin diseases, including chronic urticaria, prurigo, and psoriasis. Skin abnormalities in HCV infections may result from immunological mechanisms as well as from viral invasion and replication in the affected tissue. A similar association was also recognised in the past in the case of HBV infections and numerous immune complex syndromes have been described. Dermatologists are primarily involved in the diagnosis and care of any skin abnormality and should be well aware of such aetiopathogenetic links. However, the exact mechanisms of these abnormalities remain unknown and further research is necessary. |