I think it's natural for ALL of us to freak out at times especially as we find out we have HCV to getting on treatment to dealing with some of the things that go along with treatment (i.e. side effects or dealing with the stress of insurance, doctors friends and family). It's a time of change, we go from thinking everything is fine to the dropping of the bomb that we have HCV then the uncertainty of going on treatment and our prospects of being treated (which, by the way, are Excellent today) and eventually we arrive at SVR and are stronger for the battles that we've won. It's a time of freaking out for us all at one point or another, not to worry and soon you will be helping others as they are uncertain and need guidance or just an ear to listen.
Welcome to the family,
Dave
humbled said
Jul 16, 2016
Hi Everyone,
Thanks so much for all your encouraging words and sage advice.
I do apologize for freaking out; up until I saw the red moles, I had not noticed any differences in myself since getting my diagnosis back in April.
I know I may come across as a wimp or wuss, but medical issues have always been very scary to me. In other areas of my life, I'm actually a very strong person - I'm working on a PhD, and I'm the primary caregiver for my Mom, who has Parkinson's.
I do hope you'll excuse me in advance for any future freakouts - I'm doing my best to cope with the situation and sometimes it feels as if I'm mired in darkness. I should also concede I do have good days and bad days.
All your messages are so helpful and definitely helped me to relax yesterday.
All my best,
Regi
Linuxter said
Jul 16, 2016
Hi Regi,
Others here have already mentioned it but it's so natural to try to link up cause and effect ... we're wired to make those associations.
If you have concerns, do ask your doctor, it's good to be aware of any changes and ask the pro's if you find something that, in particular, has an irregular shape or changes relatively rapidly etc.
As you have seen here, it appears many here have similar small red spots and have found them harmless, a doctor can tell you more about what they are specifically but it appears that the general consensus here seems to be that they are likely harmless and unassociated with HCV.
Dave
Loopy Lisa said
Jul 16, 2016
I have one on my right wrist exactly as you describe, I press it and it disappears. When I release pressure it reappears. The difference is I remember banging it and then it appearing. I even tried an IPL treatment on it, and it is still there. I also developed some on my upper arms and they look like dull broken spider veins coming off them. I had them checked and its harmless. I do not have liver damage, and its not life threatening. I also am not over weight and pretty fit, so its not caused by skin stretching or anything like that. Its just one of those things people get and we have to get on with it. I did smoke for years though, and that is probably what caused them in my case!
The red mole looking things could be just that, the beginning of moles. Some do start of red, I know because my brother gets them and has a red one on his face. You can always go to the doctor and get it checked, piece of mind is far better than constant worry and an over zealous imagination. I hope you feel more relaxed soon!
singsong said
Jul 15, 2016
I have quite a few of these red "spots". They are nothing. I've had them years before I contracted Hep C. I am undetected and they are still there. I had Zero thought that they would disappear. One has nothing to do with the other IMHO. Anna
-- Edited by singsong on Friday 15th of July 2016 08:16:31 PM
-- Edited by singsong on Friday 15th of July 2016 08:16:58 PM
Tig said
Jul 15, 2016
Hey Regi,
I wouldn't put a lot of worry into it.Physical signs are variable and depend upon the extent of disease. HCV can manifest itself in a number of ways cutaneously and the longer you have been infected and the more advanced your level of fibrosis, more of these issues may present themselves. Skin problems are very common and as you've read through this thread, you'll notice that it's common. With resolution of the disease, most will see marked improvement over time. The next time you see your physician, show him/her and get an opinion and get it documented. Sometimes, we are referred to a Dermatologist for an opinion and if you're experiencing any problems, like redness, itching, or swelling, etc., they can prescribe a course of action that will bring some relief.
My advice? Don't be freaked out! It's not uncommon at all. I have found from experience, that when you achieve SVR, and you will, you may discover in time, a number of things will improve and you'll realize that HCV may have been responsible. Skin conditions are commonly resolved, things like dry skin, itching, etc., simply go away. HCV can affect you negatively in many ways, from little annoyances that just pop up and go away, to more serious conditions like advancing fibrosis, kidney issues, among other things. It's not going to be a problem for long. These new treatments are the dragon bomb and will cure you, minimizing and/or eliminating much of these issues. Try to relax.... all will be well
JimmyK said
Jul 15, 2016
Greetings,
This is not something to freak out about. It is something to deal with with the proper treatment plan. As 13.6 you already know you have an impairment. You are F3-F4. You do have liver damage with or without spots so just concentrate on that fact and the fact that you have this in plenty of time.
The new drugs deal with this nicely and very effectively. You will be fine so try to chill out a bit.
Regards
JimmyK
humbled said
Jul 15, 2016
Hi Everyone,
I saw this thread and something similar is happening to me, and scaring me.
I just noticed these random red moles on the right side of my body, and I'm guessing it's related to the virus.
They're not terribly large, and not spidery at all, but they do have a surface.
I read online that red moles could be a sign of liver damage or impaired liver function.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Freaked out,
Regi
coolheat said
Jun 15, 2015
Tig, I see Dr. in a couple of weeks, will ask him about it. I looked up Petechiae, glad its not that. On a regular basis, there are only about 5 or 6 visible. The only feedback I have ever received was from U.C. Davis Med. Center in Sac. Ca.'s Liver Dept.. First time it was referenced was in 1994 or 95. Was told by Dr. Neville Pimstone, who at that time was out in the forefront of Hep C, work, said that it was a tell tale sign of Hep C, or synonymous with Hep C.. I assumed, bad idea, that others with Hep c have or had it. So I was joking about it possibly being a hep c tattoo that it leaves behind to remember it by. Thanks, Marsha
Tig said
Jun 15, 2015
Petechiae? They can be caused by many conditions and reasons. Google the term and view some of the images available. See if you recognize something similar.
Hi Mallani, looked up Campbell de morgan spots. This is nothing like that, they look like a freckle, they aren't raised or anything. It is a basic very small red spot. While I was at ucdavis med center 25 years ago, the dr said she could tell that I had hep c when I took off my top by the red spot, which she said was indicative of hep c. Like a side effect or one of the symptoms. Thank you for your input, marsha
mallani said
Jun 14, 2015
They are probably Campbell de Morgan spots (cherry angiomas).
They have nothing to do with HepC.
They are sometimes confused with spider naevi (by patients).
coolheat said
Jun 14, 2015
Hi Gracie, supposedly I do not have cirrhosis. Just short of it. I am familiar with spider veins and that is not what this is. These are perfectly round spec's almost, about the size of the head of pin. I have about eight at random. And the drs. said that is was an identifying characteristic of the Hep C virus.. That was about 25 years ago. They come and go. I was wondering if they go when the virus is non active. Thanks, Marsha
coolheat said
Jun 14, 2015
Hi All, these are not a rash, and are not knew. I remember 25 years having the Doc's say that Hep C can cause, an identifying side effect of the hep c; which is a, the size of the head of a pin cranberry or purplish round mark. That was at the UCDavis med center liver dept.. They are not in a cluster or like a rash the show up mostly on the trunk. Just small dots, not a lot of them. Random. Since they were identified to be a by product of Hep c, I was wondering if they disappear when the virus becomes inactive. But WOW thanks for your concern that it could be some other form of side effect of the Harvoni. I actually cut back more on liquid intake and feel somewhat better. BP still up, but feel better today. Will call GI Doc in am.. Thanks, Marsha aka coolheat
Tig said
Jun 14, 2015
Marsha,
We had a recent discussion on this that I want you to read. While it isn't common to have a Harvoni related rash, there is a small possibility. You might post to that thread and ask our members for input. I hope you're feeling better soon!
However the ION trials claim these happened in less than 2% of all patients regardless of treatment length.
Cinnamon Girl said
Jun 14, 2015
Hi Marsha, how long have you had the red spots? And do they look as Gracie described or are they more like a rash?
Thanks!
Gracie said
Jun 14, 2015
The spots you get are from cirrhosis and are called spider angiomas. Red dots in the middle with veins spidering out from them. They mostly appear on the upper body and disappear when you press on them.
coolheat said
Jun 13, 2015
Does anyone know if the little red spots that appear on the body, which they say are from the hep c virus, do you know if these stop appearing or do they go away. Or are they like a hep c tattoo? thanks, CH
Regi,
I think it's natural for ALL of us to freak out at times especially as we find out we have HCV to getting on treatment to dealing with some of the things that go along with treatment (i.e. side effects or dealing with the stress of insurance, doctors friends and family). It's a time of change, we go from thinking everything is fine to the dropping of the bomb that we have HCV then the uncertainty of going on treatment and our prospects of being treated (which, by the way, are Excellent today) and eventually we arrive at SVR and are stronger for the battles that we've won. It's a time of freaking out for us all at one point or another, not to worry and soon you will be helping others as they are uncertain and need guidance or just an ear to listen.
Welcome to the family,
Dave
Hi Everyone,
Thanks so much for all your encouraging words and sage advice.
I do apologize for freaking out; up until I saw the red moles, I had not noticed any differences in myself since getting my diagnosis back in April.
I know I may come across as a wimp or wuss, but medical issues have always been very scary to me. In other areas of my life, I'm actually a very strong person - I'm working on a PhD, and I'm the primary caregiver for my Mom, who has Parkinson's.
I do hope you'll excuse me in advance for any future freakouts - I'm doing my best to cope with the situation and sometimes it feels as if I'm mired in darkness. I should also concede I do have good days and bad days.
All your messages are so helpful and definitely helped me to relax yesterday.
All my best,
Regi
Hi Regi,
Others here have already mentioned it but it's so natural to try to link up cause and effect ... we're wired to make those associations.
If you have concerns, do ask your doctor, it's good to be aware of any changes and ask the pro's if you find something that, in particular, has an irregular shape or changes relatively rapidly etc.
As you have seen here, it appears many here have similar small red spots and have found them harmless, a doctor can tell you more about what they are specifically but it appears that the general consensus here seems to be that they are likely harmless and unassociated with HCV.
Dave
I have one on my right wrist exactly as you describe, I press it and it disappears. When I release pressure it reappears. The difference is I remember banging it and then it appearing. I even tried an IPL treatment on it, and it is still there. I also developed some on my upper arms and they look like dull broken spider veins coming off them. I had them checked and its harmless. I do not have liver damage, and its not life threatening. I also am not over weight and pretty fit, so its not caused by skin stretching or anything like that. Its just one of those things people get and we have to get on with it. I did smoke for years though, and that is probably what caused them in my case!
The red mole looking things could be just that, the beginning of moles. Some do start of red, I know because my brother gets them and has a red one on his face. You can always go to the doctor and get it checked, piece of mind is far better than constant worry and an over zealous imagination. I hope you feel more relaxed soon!
I have quite a few of these red "spots". They are nothing. I've had them years before I contracted Hep C. I am undetected and they are still there. I had Zero thought that they would disappear. One has nothing to do with the other IMHO. Anna
-- Edited by singsong on Friday 15th of July 2016 08:16:31 PM
-- Edited by singsong on Friday 15th of July 2016 08:16:58 PM
Hey Regi,
I wouldn't put a lot of worry into it. Physical signs are variable and depend upon the extent of disease. HCV can manifest itself in a number of ways cutaneously and the longer you have been infected and the more advanced your level of fibrosis, more of these issues may present themselves. Skin problems are very common and as you've read through this thread, you'll notice that it's common. With resolution of the disease, most will see marked improvement over time. The next time you see your physician, show him/her and get an opinion and get it documented. Sometimes, we are referred to a Dermatologist for an opinion and if you're experiencing any problems, like redness, itching, or swelling, etc., they can prescribe a course of action that will bring some relief.
My advice? Don't be freaked out! It's not uncommon at all. I have found from experience, that when you achieve SVR, and you will, you may discover in time, a number of things will improve and you'll realize that HCV may have been responsible. Skin conditions are commonly resolved, things like dry skin, itching, etc., simply go away. HCV can affect you negatively in many ways, from little annoyances that just pop up and go away, to more serious conditions like advancing fibrosis, kidney issues, among other things. It's not going to be a problem for long. These new treatments are the dragon bomb and will cure you, minimizing and/or eliminating much of these issues. Try to relax.... all will be well
Greetings,
This is not something to freak out about. It is something to deal with with the proper treatment plan. As 13.6 you already know you have an impairment. You are F3-F4. You do have liver damage with or without spots so just concentrate on that fact and the fact that you have this in plenty of time.
The new drugs deal with this nicely and very effectively. You will be fine so try to chill out a bit.
Regards
JimmyK
Hi Everyone,
I saw this thread and something similar is happening to me, and scaring me.
I just noticed these random red moles on the right side of my body, and I'm guessing it's related to the virus.
They're not terribly large, and not spidery at all, but they do have a surface.
I read online that red moles could be a sign of liver damage or impaired liver function.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Freaked out,
Regi
Tig, I see Dr. in a couple of weeks, will ask him about it. I looked up Petechiae, glad its not that. On a regular basis, there are only about 5 or 6 visible. The only feedback I have ever received was from U.C. Davis Med. Center in Sac. Ca.'s Liver Dept.. First time it was referenced was in 1994 or 95. Was told by Dr. Neville Pimstone, who at that time was out in the forefront of Hep C, work, said that it was a tell tale sign of Hep C, or synonymous with Hep C.. I assumed, bad idea, that others with Hep c have or had it. So I was joking about it possibly being a hep c tattoo that it leaves behind to remember it by. Thanks, Marsha
Petechiae? They can be caused by many conditions and reasons. Google the term and view some of the images available. See if you recognize something similar.
https://www.activeforever.com/articlelist-all/a-petechiae
Hi Mallani, looked up Campbell de morgan spots. This is nothing like that, they look like a freckle, they aren't raised or anything. It is a basic very small red spot. While I was at ucdavis med center 25 years ago, the dr said she could tell that I had hep c when I took off my top by the red spot, which she said was indicative of hep c. Like a side effect or one of the symptoms. Thank you for your input, marsha
They are probably Campbell de Morgan spots (cherry angiomas).
They have nothing to do with HepC.
They are sometimes confused with spider naevi (by patients).
Hi Gracie, supposedly I do not have cirrhosis. Just short of it. I am familiar with spider veins and that is not what this is. These are perfectly round spec's almost, about the size of the head of pin. I have about eight at random. And the drs. said that is was an identifying characteristic of the Hep C virus.. That was about 25 years ago. They come and go. I was wondering if they go when the virus is non active. Thanks, Marsha
Hi All, these are not a rash, and are not knew. I remember 25 years having the Doc's say that Hep C can cause, an identifying side effect of the hep c; which is a, the size of the head of a pin cranberry or purplish round mark. That was at the UCDavis med center liver dept.. They are not in a cluster or like a rash the show up mostly on the trunk. Just small dots, not a lot of them. Random. Since they were identified to be a by product of Hep c, I was wondering if they disappear when the virus becomes inactive. But WOW thanks for your concern that it could be some other form of side effect of the Harvoni. I actually cut back more on liquid intake and feel somewhat better. BP still up, but feel better today. Will call GI Doc in am.. Thanks, Marsha aka coolheat
Marsha,
We had a recent discussion on this that I want you to read. While it isn't common to have a Harvoni related rash, there is a small possibility. You might post to that thread and ask our members for input. I hope you're feeling better soon!
http://hepcfriends.activeboard.com/t59700302/weird-rash/#comment-59711891
The Harvoni list of adverse effects list the following possibilities:
"Skin And Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Acne, alopecia, hyperhidrosis, prurigo, pruritus, rash"
However the ION trials claim these happened in less than 2% of all patients regardless of treatment length.
Hi Marsha, how long have you had the red spots? And do they look as Gracie described or are they more like a rash?
Thanks!
The spots you get are from cirrhosis and are called spider angiomas. Red dots in the middle with veins spidering out from them. They mostly appear on the upper body and disappear when you press on them.
Does anyone know if the little red spots that appear on the body, which they say are from the hep c virus, do you know if these stop appearing or do they go away. Or are they like a hep c tattoo? thanks, CH