Hepatitis C is a form of liver disease that occurs due to an infection by the Hepatitis C virus. Many initial signs and symptoms of this disease often go unnoticed, which means many people may not even know that they are infected. However, the disease can lead to liver failure if left untreated. Here are some of the rare symptoms of hepatitis C that everyone should know about:

• Itchy skin: One of the rare symptoms of hepatitis C that many people are unaware of is that the infection leads to itchy skin. The liver removes unwanted toxins from the body, but it is unable to remove the toxins and heavy metals the body is exposed to when infected with the Hepatitis C virus. This causes the buildup of toxins in the body, resulting in itchy skin.
• Fluid buildup in the abdomen: Another rare yet equally frightening symptom of this disease is the buildup of fluid in the abdomen, which is called ascites. When the liver is damaged beyond control because of hepatitis C, blood flow to the liver slows down. This increases blood pressure in the veins that bring blood to the liver, a condition that’s called portal hypertension. This causes fluid accumulation and causes the stomach to look swollen and bloated.
• Confusion and drowsiness: A state of being confused, called hepatitis brain fog, is also among the rare symptoms of a Hepatitis C infection. The affected person may feel drowsy and confused and may have a foggy mind. Many also find it difficult to have coherent thoughts as a result of excess toxin accumulation in the body. These toxins can also affect the brain.
• Hepatic encephalopathy: This is a later stage of brain fog and causes permanent damage to the brain because of the high amount of toxins in the body. A few signs of hepatic encephalopathy are musty breath and involuntary hand movements. People with this condition forget things easily and have short-term memories.
• Lichen Planus: Another symptom on the list of rare symptoms of hepatitis C is lichen planus. This causes purple-colored bumps to appear on the skin, usually around the wrists, and the condition can also cause sores inside the mouth. Many people with this skin condition are diagnosed with hepatitis C, making this a rare sign to look out for.
• Uncontrolled bleeding: The liver is responsible for producing blood-clotting proteins. With the liver being damaged, one may bleed very easily or uncontrollably.

If one experiences one or more of these rare symptoms of hepatitis C, it’s advisable to consult a doctor right away. The cause of these symptoms can also be something simple, but it’s best to be sure. Also, the symptoms can be treated, and one can work on the root cause of the problem once the diagnosis is complete.