Dealing with symptoms

Blisters (poryphyria cutanea tarda)

Reduce your intake of foods that contain iron. Reduce your consumption of alchohol.

Blotchy skin (cryoglobulinemia)

If you experience blotchy skin, get it examined by your doctor because it is often the first and possibly only sign of chronic hepatitis C.

Depression

If you feel depressed, talk to your doctor or healthcare professional.Antidepressant drugs can help and are generally safe for your liver. Depression and personality change usually go away 2-4 weeks after treatment is over.

Extreme confusion (hepatic encephalopathy)

Talk to your healthcare provider about changing the amount of protein you eat.

Extreme tiredness (fatigue)

Rest as much as possible.Plan injections for days when you can rest.Try some mild exercise to improve sleep.

Flu-like symptoms

Drink plenty of water. Apply heat or ice packs (wrapped in a towel) to areas where you ache.

Fluid build-up (ascites or edema)

Check the labels on food packages; many prepared foods contain large amounts of salt. Avoid canned soups and vegetables, cold cuts, dairy products and condiments such as ketchup and mayonnaise.Substitute lemon juice for salt.

Itchy skin (pruritis)

Use moisturizers and drink plenty of water.

Loss of appetite (anorexia)

Eat smaller but more frequent meals throughout the day.Drink clear fruit juices for the extra calories.

Lowered platelet count (thrombocytopenia)

The doctor will check for this by doing blood tests and tell you what to do to improve your condition.

Low sex drive (loss of libido)

Plan for sex by pacing your day's activities so that you're well rested.Talking with your partner about your desires, pleasures and fears around sex can help to avoid or reduce tension.

Nausea

Try bland food (not spicy or greasy) and eat small meals frequently through the day.Ask your doctor about anti-nausea medication.

Right upper side discomfort

Talk to your healthcare provider about medications you can take to help with the pain. Be sure to take the medication as directed because excessive use of some pain medications (like Tylenol and Advil) can cause a lot of damage to your liver.

Problems with thinking ("brain fog")

Keep your mind active by doing puzzles, reading or doing other activities that stimulate your mind.Take time to relax and rest your mind.Try to keep track of when confusion sets in and use that time to rest. When it lifts, spend some time doing activities that need focus and concentration.

Purple or shiny itchy bumps (lichen planus)

Avoid alcohol, tobacco, spicy foods, peppermint, cinnamon and citrus foods as these can trigger lichen planus in the mouth.Wrap a cold pack in a towel and apply it to the rash.Use unscented skin moisturizers or body lotions. Use soap that contains a moisturizer or has high oil content.

Sleep problems

Keep your bedroom dark and cool. Try to get into the habit of getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night. It is not a good strategy to sleep less during the week, then try to catch up on the weekend.

Stress (emotional strain or tension)

Many people find that exercise allows them time to think things through because there are fewer distractions or interruptions. Exercise will also help your body relax by reducing stress hormones.

Tingling or burning sensation (parasthesia or peripheral neuropathy

Limit your walking distances and the length of time you spend standing.Regularly soak your hands or feet in ice water.

Vomiting blood (esophageal varices)

See your healthcare provider if you vomit blood and/or have bloody, runny, black bowel movements.

Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)

If the skin is also itchy, follow the tips for itchy skin (above).