chronic rash/ itchy back

[HankRudy]

I  just read  that rashes can be a symptom of hep C/ liver damage... I am told that I have probably had the virus for "many years" (the doctors haven't given me a guesstimate of how many....) My back started itching uncontrollably 20 years ago, (mostly only in winter though) and I was diagnosed (without any lab testing) and treated for scabies, but the treatment failed to alleviate the condition even though I washed every bit of bedding and laundry and followed the treatment instructions, making at least 2 of go-rounds – so then switched to a mild non-allergenic soap thinking that might be the cause, washed a truckload of laundry a couple of times based on that analysis.

Nothing seemed to work... the  2 clinics I visited backed off from the scabies diagnosis... later I made an effort to eliminate wool from my laundry (except for socks.) But nothing seems to work, my back always itches in winter, so much that I often have scabs from scratching it, that bleed, which is distressing, knowing that my blood is contaminated with the virus ! Fortunately no one else is much at risk from this today as I live alone these days.

(But I would like to live with others - especially my fiancee and future wife – although at this point I don't know if I shouldn't really break the engagement - at least until I have treated with the Harvoni.)

Later I wondered if toxins in the Red Bull had something to do with it because I heard that lab rats scratched themselves raw in tests related to the Red Bull drink. I had been using RB to  "push on through" to completion of wood flooring contracts which I made as a tradesman working out of my home in Northern California, and to stay awake on the long drives home after long days at work.

I have been told that the skin acts as an organ which tries to eliminate toxins which the liver cannot deal with... and have seen chloracne scars on a friend's arms which are attributed to his Agent Orange exposure. I wondered if the same sort of process was going on with my back to eliminate floor finishing toxins (and/or perhaps trying to expel something from the Red Bull. )

[HankRudy]

thanks... it never occurred to me until now that the 20 years of itchy back could have to do with a liver disease.. From what you said it seems quite possible though, and now I am wondering if I will feel better after treatment than I have for a long time...

[AWorriedMom]

FYI....my doc told me that hot showers are definitely a trigger because they cause histamine to be released. Imdidnt know that and it was helpful advise for me. No more hot showers.