Hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus that leads to inflammation of the liver and liver cirrhosis. This condition usually does not cause visible symptoms, and hence, it may be missed until the liver gets damaged. Here is a list of initial signs to watch out for if one gets hepatitis C.

1. Weight loss
One of the early signs to watch out for with hepatitis C is abnormal or consistent weight loss. Those who keep losing weight slowly but steadily without creating changes in their food habits or activity levels have to get their blood tests done to ensure they are not infected with hepatitis C.

2. Fatigue and tiredness
When a person gets hepatitis C, the immune system starts trying to fight the infection. This can lead to abnormal fatigue and tiredness that does not disappear even after taking adequate rest.

3. Bruising and bleeding easily
As the virus starts attacking the liver, its capacity to handle multiple activities decrease. The liver is responsible for producing blood clots when there is bleeding. As the liver gets affected, it is common to experience frequent bleeding. Internal bleeding leads to bruises that occur randomly in the body. These are definitely initial signs to watch out for.

4. Yellowing of skin
As hepatitis C progress, a very vital early sign one should not miss is yellowing of the skin. The liver is responsible for eliminating a substance called bilirubin from the body. This substance gives a yellow color to the skin. As the liver stops working effectively, more bilirubin is accumulated in the body and gives the skin and eyes a yellow tinge. It’s important to meet a doctor if one notices abnormal yellow-colored skin or eyes.

5. Abdominal pain
People who have had hepatitis C infections for a long time develop upper abdominal pain. The pain can be consistent and severe.

6. Dark-colored urine
As the liver gets compromised because of hepatitis C and does not break down bilirubin, excess bilirubin in the body is excreted out as such by the kidneys. This gives urine a dark color. The urine can be dark brown, amber, or reddish-orange.

7. Leg edema
With time, liver damage becomes severe and leads to liver cirrhosis. As a result, the normal blood flow to the liver is compromised. This puts pressure on the veins in the leg that carry blood and leads to swelling. Leg inflammation, if it happens regularly, needs to be checked right away.

8. Spider angiomas
This is also a common result of liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C. This condition leads to the development of rashes on the skin. These rashes look like spider webs because of vascular lesions.

All these initial signs of hepatitis C may so subtle that they can be missed. It is essential to take note of the changes in one’s body and consult a doctor when in doubt.