What should you know about male skin hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver. During an acute illness, a person may feel tired, lose appetite, feel sick, develop abdominal discomfort or notice dark urine and yellow skin or eyes. A rash or joint aches can also occur. These symptoms are not specific to hepatitis B, so a skin change alone cannot identify the cause.

Some infections persist without obvious symptoms and can gradually injure the liver. A clinician uses blood tests to identify infection and understand how the liver is responding. Do not assume that feeling well rules it out.

Arrange medical review if you have symptoms, a possible exposure or a reason to think you may not be vaccinated. Testing may include hepatitis B markers and a liver function test. Bring a list of medicines, supplements and alcohol use, since these affect liver advice.

Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes or needles, and cover open cuts. Use condoms until a clinician confirms that partners are protected. Household and sexual contacts may need testing or vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccination is a preventive option for people who are not already protected.

Seek urgent medical care for yellowing with confusion, unusual sleepiness, severe abdominal swelling or pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, or inability to keep fluids down. Seek prompt advice after a recent exposure, because preventive care may be time-sensitive.

Ask which hepatitis B tests you need, whether the infection is recent or persistent, how your liver function looks, and whether household or sexual contacts need testing or vaccination. Ask which medicines and activities should be avoided while results are being clarified.