Cutaneous Manifestations of Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Comprehensive Study

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem that is mainly associated with hepatic consequences. However, extrahepatic manifestations of HCV infection, including a variety of skin disorders, are also common. Different dermatological conditions can manifest in various ways using the underlying genetic mutations. Objective: To assess the spectrum and prevalence of cutaneous manifestations in chronic HCV infection and evaluate their relationship to the stage of hepatic dysfunction. Methods: Cross-sectional clinical study was conducted from September 2024 to February 2025, in a tertiary care hospital. A systematic evaluation for dermatological manifestations through clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and histopathological analysis where required was performed on forty-five consecutive patients with a diagnosis of chronic HCV infection. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS version 25.0. Results: The most common cutaneous manifestations encountered were mixed cryoglobulinemia (37.8%), lichen planus (24.4%), and porphyria cutanea tarda (15.6%) among others. The severity of liver dysfunction was significantly associated with the prevalence of these skin conditions (p < 0.05). Most of the affected patients were middle-aged (31–50 years). Conclusion: cutaneous manifestations are frequent in patients with HCV infection and correlate with hepatic disease severity. Incorporating dermatological assessment into HCV management pathways could facilitate early diagnosis and improve patient care.