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Complications
A small number of people infected with hepatitis C fight off
the virus on their own without any permanent damage. For the
rest, the disease settles in and slowly attacks the liver,
although even then, the course of the disease can vary greatly
from person to person.
Most people infected with HCV develop chronic hepatitis. Some
people infected with hepatitis C develop cirrhosis, usually
within two decades after infection. Of those who develop
cirrhosis, about one-third progress to liver failure within 10
years. In addition, between 1 percent and 5 percent of people
with HCV eventually develop liver cancer.
Rarely, HCV infection can be associated with skin and kidney
problems. The hepatitis C virus is linked to an increased risk
of porphyria cutanea tarda, a condition that may cause a
blistering rash, and to cryoglobulinemia, which can cause a
purplish rash (purpura) on your lower extremities and may lead
to kidney damage.
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