Can Hepatitis Cause Hair Loss?

A lot of people with hepatitis end up losing their hair, but it's not the hepatitis that causes it--it's the treatment. Hair loss isn't a symptom of hepatitis at all, it's most often a side effect of the most successful medicines for treating it. Understanding the different types of hepatitis and how they spread can help prevent hepatitis infections. Knowing about other causes of hair loss can help you know when you should notify your doctor--there could be medical issues other than hepatitis that need to be addressed.

Types

• There are five different types of infections with the hepatitis virus, conveniently labeled hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis affects the liver, with symptoms manifesting throughout the body with itchy or dry skin and sore muscles. Hepatitis A is the most common, with most patients recovering fully within a few months. Hepatitis B can cause an illness lasting anywhere from four weeks to six months. Hepatitis C often has no symptoms. It can last for years before being detected and, by that time, liver damage is too great. Drugs in the pegylated interferon group must be given, and hair loss is just one of the side effects.

Effects

• In addition to hair loss, the most common side effects of medications in the pegylated interferon group include blood malfunctions, like a decrease in white blood cells (which can cause immune suppression), a decrease in platelets, and anemia. Digestive side effects can include nausea and diarrhea. Fever, chills and muscle and joint pain are also reported, as well as difficulty in concentrating, thyroid dysfunction, sleeplessness, irritability, mild to serious depression and suicidal thoughts.

Considerations

• If you're losing hair, it may not be attributed to your hepatitis. Medications in the pegylated interferon group are used to treat hepatitis C, not A or B. Types D and E are treated differently. Always ask your physician about your hair loss, so that he may work to rule out other causes.

Time Frame

• There are several formulations of medicine in the pegylated interferon group. Some patients will begin to lose their hair within two weeks of use, while others won't begin until they're in their 18th week of treatment. Treatment generally lasts 24 weeks.

Effects

• After pegylated interferon treatment, patients can expect their hair to grow back within a few months. Some patients report that hair grew back thicker, straighter, curlier, thinner, or even a different texture.