Sores on legs associated with cirrhosis?

[bassetgirl]

I treated for HepC last year and as of Jan 22nd am SVR, 24 weeks past EOT Hep C free. My liver is cirrhotic.

Over the past few months I've noticed red patches on my lower legs, some up to about 1/2 inch in diameter. They seem to form in areas where capillaries are visible on the surface.Recently one developed into a sore which scabbed over eventually.

My family doctor doesn't think this is cirrhosis related. I will talk with my hepatologist at my next appointment in June, but in the meantime I'm wondering if anyone else with cirrhosis has developed anything similar?

[Sarah1949]

I gave an excellent dermatologist who specializes in Lichen Planus and she thinks the Hep C caused it. Yes, they do a biopsy to confirm LP. They can inject steroids directly into the areas with oral LP in case you end up with that also. I hope the steroid helps you.
Peace out. :)

[bassetgirl]

Sarah-Thank you! I've found some pictures and articles on this condition after you pointed me in this direction. ( There seems to be a Hep C connection- maybe I should post this over in the Hep C forum.)
My family doctor recommended a dermatology appointment and said I should request a biopsy which is what is recommended for diagnosis of lichen planus in the articles I researched, so he may suspect that's what my problem is.  In the meantime he gave me a steroid ointment to use.
My dematology appointment is June 22nd- can't get in any sooner.

[Sarah1949]

I get Lichen Planus as a result of hep C. You can google pictures to see what it looks like. They are not "sores" though unless you make them so. They can itch. Steroids are the only thing that helps. Cirrhosis can cause various skin problems. Regardless, you should see a dermatologist. Take care.

[HectorSF]

Good luck with your appointment.

Yes, sometimes cirrhotics develop medical conditions unrelated to their liver just like everyone else. Because of your recent SVR, the health of your liver should continue to improve over time which will make it less likely you should develop complications from your cirrhosis. Of course future, periodic, post SVR monitoring of your liver's health by your hepatologist is also important for anyone who has had cirrhosis.

Take care.
Hector

[bassetgirl]

Thank you! I'll make a dermatology appointment and let my hepatologist know what's going on- it actually makes me feel better that this is not related to the cirrhosis!

[HectorSF]

Welcome to the cirrhosis community!
Congratulations on achieving SVR. That is great news!
Since you are now SVR any symptoms for your cirrhosis you were experiencing and your blood numbers should have improved since your treatment, as the treatment has stopped any further injury to your liver from virus. It may take some time before your cirrhosis reverses itself but immediate improvements are commonly seems in cirrhotic who have been suffering with the complications of their disease.

Beside that "red patches" or "sores" are not a skin complication of cirrhosis.

Of course the best source of information about your cirrhosis and your health in general are your hepatologist and your primary doctors who are aware of the status of your health including the extent of your liver disease and any possible complications that could be related to it.

Either way I would definitely call your hepatologist's office and let them know about this. All cirrhotics should notify their doctor about any changes to their health status even if it is not related to their liver disease. This is especially true if a cirrhotic is treated for another medical condition. Many treatment meds for other medical conditions can be toxic to the liver and should be used if at all with caution in a cirrhotic patient and only with a consultation with the patient's hepatologist.

I would suggest you refer to the MedHelp "Health Pages" document "What is Cirrhosis of the Liver?" which explains cirrhosis and its possible complications to learn more about how more advanced cirrhosis can manifest itself.

If you continued to be concerned about your skin condition I would suggest you get a referral from your primary doctor to see a dermatologist as this is their field of expertise.

Best of luck to you.
Hector