Hepatitis C Home Treatment

The following are steps you can take that may help you feel better if you have hepatitis C infection.

Slow down.

Reduce your activity level if you feel tired.

Exercise if you feel up to it; aerobic exercise can help you feel stronger and can improve depression caused by the infection and antiviral treatment.

Eat right.

Even though food at times may not appeal to you, it is important to get adequate nutrition. For most people, nausea and loss of appetite don't set in until later in the day, so try eating your largest meal early in the day and lighter meals later on.

Doctors used to recommend a high-calorie, protein-rich diet to people who have hepatitis. This is no longer believed to be of any benefit, and such foods can be hard to eat when you feel nauseated. Try to maintain a balanced diet while eating foods that appeal to you.

Avoid alcohol and drugs.

Hepatitis impairs your liver's ability to break down medications and alcohol. If you take drugs (legal or illegal) or drink alcohol when you have hepatitis, their effects may be more powerful and may last longer. In addition, alcohol, some medications, and certain herbal remedies can increase the risk of developing serious liver damage.

Make sure your doctor knows all the medications you are taking, including herbal products. Do not take any new medications or stop taking existing prescription medications without your doctor's approval.

Avoid alcohol until your doctor tells you it is safe to resume use.

Try to control itching.

People with hepatitis sometimes develop itchy skin. You can use nonprescription medications, such as diphenhydramine (for example, Benadryl) or chlorpheniramine (for example, Chlor-Trimeton), to control itching. Talk with your doctor before taking medications.

If you take nonprescription medicines for itchiness, follow the instructions provided with the product, and stop using the product if you have any side effects.

Seek help for depression.

Depression may occur in anyone who has a chronic illness. With hepatitis C infection, depression also may develop as a side effect of antiviral therapy. If you are feeling depressed, talk to your doctor about treatment. Antidepressant medications can provide relief. You also can seek counseling for support.