skin problems in week 2 of treatment

[AmeliaFufu]

My husband has completed 2 weeks of treatment.  In week one he started to complain about very dry skin.  We combated that with non fragranced creams like Aveeno lotion and soap.  All was great until today now he has a skin rash in his groin area and on down his legs.  Any one else have these problems as it is Saturday night and the soonest I can speak to his doctor is Monday.

[IMstacie]

I got the rash a month after starting tx.  I looked like a blistered tomato!  I was totally covered everywhere except my hands, face, and feet.  I used the Aveeno with oatmeal body wash when I showered, the Aveeno with hydocorizone cream, benedryl tabs at night, claritin tabs in the morning.  When it could beyond ichy I used the spray benedryl at times.  It lasted for about 7 - 8 weeks.

[meakea]

I found that I can ward off the rash by taking benadryl 1/2 hour prior to my ribavirin and I also take it 1/2 hour prior to my shot.  

Keep him hydrated and keep using the unfragranced lotions (Aveeno with oatmeal or Cetaphil, etc).

Good luck.

[jmjm530]

the above post should have read in part..

"but it could the fungal in nature, even psoriasis from the interferon.

[jmjm530]

I would not use the Gold Bond lotion described in the groin area as it could potentially irritate as opposed to helping because of some of the ingredients. What you describe could be from the ribavirin, but it could also be found on nature, even psoriasis from the interferon. If you have confidence in your treatment Dr., best to have your husband go in to show them the rash if it persists, but by all means call on Monday. Alternatively, see a dermatologist.

[AmeliaFufu]

Sorry I was so slow to replay, but I send my deepest thank you to you both.
Good luck on your journey to wellness, your advice will be put into action asap.
Ameliafufu

[orleans]

Been fighting it for 5 months now. It got better at about month 3. All the above is good advice. Personally the Gold Bond wasn't my favorite. Too much menthol. I went thru what the stores had, avveno, jergens, etc. I settled on Cetaphil. TWICE a day was the min. for me to keep it under control. Extra on the "hot" spots. Use what the Dr. gives you with care as it has it's own issues. FORGET hot showers. I got down right "continental" been bathing only once weekly, YUK! (to my European friends, it's an American thing,  the early puritain fathers and all:). Bottm line is you will likely hae to suffer some discomfort for a while. It's doable, count your blessings, atleast you are not on Telapriver. good luck, jerry

[copyman]

yes it is very common with HCV treatment. what you describe is from the ribavirin. Usually you do not get the rash & itching until later on but it can happen early as in your husbands case. For relief use gold bond extra strength lotion  (green btl, red cap).  Drink plenty of water and put the cream on several times a day. Avoid hot showers. And take an oatmeal bath once in awhile. Ask your doc for a cortisone cream to get it under control before it gets worse. Hope this advice helps.