Q. What's the difference between hepatitis B and hepatitis C?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are two different types of viral infections that affect the liver. Both viruses can cause serious cases of liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer in some people.

The most significant difference between hepatitis B and hepatitis C lies in their transmission route. Hepatitis B virus is primarily spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids like semen. The infection can also be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth or passed through close family contact with an infected individual. On the other hand, hepatitis C virus is mainly spread through contact with contaminated needles such as those used for intravenous drug use or tattooing. Sexual contact can sometimes also transmit it although this method of transmission is much less common than that of hepatitis B.

In terms of symptoms, they both share a similar range including fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, fever, dark-colored urine and jaundice (yellowish eyes). However, not everyone who has either type exhibits any signs at all - up to 80% of people chronically infected by HCV may not experience any obvious symptoms for many years until the damage done already to their organs is revealed later on in life when complications arise due to long-term damage caused by the virus.

In terms of treatment options available for each type; there are currently two types approved for treating chronic Hepatitis B infection: interferon therapy which stimulates your own immune system to fight against HBV OR antiviral medications such as Entecavir (Baraclude) and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (Viread). For Hepatitis C however more advanced therapies have been developed using direct acting antiviral agents like Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir (Harvoni), Daclatasvir/Sofosbuvir (Daklinza) which effectively target specific proteins within HCV while leaving normal cells unaffected leading to improved outcomes compared to interferon therapy alone making Cure rates higher than 90%.

Regardless though prevention should always be given priority over other options due its efficiency & cost savings achieved as treatment is often expensive requiring multiple visits over several months depending on severity & type Treatment strategies need tailored according needs unlike preventive techniques aiming at avoiding direct exposure altogether since Vaccines exist only for preventing infections from HBV , no cure currently exists yet for HCV .

Read Answer Right Arrow
Q. Hello Doctor, from past 3 weeks I have too much dandruff problem and it cause hair loss will you suggest any best solution for this?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Dealing with excessive dandruff leading to hair loss can be frustrating, but there are effective ways to address this issue. Here's what you can do:

1. Switch to a Gentle Shampoo: Opt for shampoos specifically designed for dandruff, containing ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, or selenium sulfide. Use these shampoos regularly to reduce dandruff buildup.

2. Scalp Massage: Gently massage your scalp while shampooing to help remove flakes and improve blood circulation, which can promote healthier hair growth.

3. Avoid Hot Water: Wash your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can dry out your scalp and worsen dandruff.

4. Balanced Diet: Ensure you're eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair and scalp, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and B vitamins.

5. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate dandruff problems. Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise to help manage stress levels.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Consider using diluted apple cider vinegar as a rinse after shampooing. It can help restore the scalp's pH balance and reduce dandruff.

7. Consult a Dermatologist: If the issue persists despite trying home remedies or over-the-counter solutions, seek advice from a dermatologist. They can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific scalp condition.

Remember, consistency is key when dealing with dandruff. Give these remedies some time to work, as immediate results might not always occur. It's essential to find what works best for your scalp, so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate improvements.

Taking care of your scalp health not only addresses dandruff but also aids in reducing hair loss associated with this issue. Feel free to incorporate these tips into your routine and observe how your scalp responds. If the problem persists or worsens, seeking professional guidance is always recommended.

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Looking for expert medical advice and care can be a daunting task, especially when you need it urgently. But with Second Medic, you can connect with the best doctors in just a few minutes and have a private care conversation with them, all for free!

Our platform is designed to make it easy for you to get the medical advice and care you need without any hassle. Whether you have a minor health concern or a serious medical condition, our team of experienced doctors are here to help.

At Second Medic, we understand the importance of timely and reliable medical advice. That's why we've made it our mission to provide you with the best possible care, at the convenience of your own home.

Our platform is easy to use, and you can connect with a doctor in just a few simple steps. All you need to do is create an account, tell us about your health concern, and we'll match you with a doctor who has the expertise to help you.

You can then have a private care conversation with your doctor, where you can discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any other concerns you may have. Our doctors will then provide you with expert advice and guidance on the next steps to take.

So, whether you're looking for medical advice, a second opinion, or a prescription refill, Second Medic has got you covered. With our platform, you can get the care you need, when you need it, all for free!

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download