Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. The disease usually spreads when someone comes into contact with blood from an infected person. Unfortunately, most people contract the disease without experiencing specific symptoms until the liver gets severely damaged. However, a few common early warning signs can help detect hepatitis C. Identifying these symptoms in the early stages is crucial for effective treatment and speedy recovery.

1. Itchiness
Skin itchiness is a symptom that most people experience. It is mainly due to the excess accumulation of toxins in the body when the liver does not function normally. Patients may feel itchy on their hands and legs or all over the body.

2. Swollen legs
Chronic hepatitis C can lead to fluid accumulation in the body, which appears as a swelling in the legs and ankles; however, it can affect any body party. This is also known as edema and is a severe symptom that requires immediate attention.

3. Loss of appetite
As the virus wreaks havoc on the digestive system, some might notice nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. This, in turn, leads to a loss of appetite, and some people may lose body weight. Although appetite loss is a common symptom in many health conditions, it should not be ignored.

4. Exhaustion
Another prevalent hepatitis C symptom is unexplained fatigue even when one is not involved in strenuous physical activities. The distinguishable trait here is that this fatigue does not get better even after rest.

5. Jaundice
One of the liver’s primary functions is to break down a compound called bilirubin. However, when infected with hepatitis C, the liver cannot perform this task. As a result, the skin and eyes appear yellow, indicating jaundice. If jaundice keeps coming back after treatment, it could mean that the infection has progressed.

6. Spider angiomas
Spider angioma is a condition where the veins below a person’s skin appear like a spider’s web. It mainly affects the face, hands, forearms, or ears. This is common in people who experience a surge in estrogen levels due to liver damage.

7. Easily bleeding or bruising
The liver is responsible for maintaining the correct platelet count for effective blood clotting. However, hepatitis C can take a toll on the platelet count, causing bleeding or visible bruising even on mild impact. This is mostly noticed in the later stages when the virus has already affected a major portion of the liver.

One must note that hepatitis C does not always progress to become chronic. The ideal way to fight the disease would be to work on preventive measures. As mentioned, the virus primarily spreads through infected blood, for instance, when using contaminated tattoo needles. Avoiding these and seeking medical help at the right stage helps prevent complications like liver failure and liver cancer.