Itchy skin: Hi all, Hope everyone's... - British Liver Trust

British Liver Trust

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Itchy skin

11 Replies

Hi all,

Hope everyone's still fighting forward.

Hubby has really itchy skin and its driving him mad. Especially worse when the fluid accumulation is bad in his stomach and legs.

Anyone got some advice,on creams especially, that can help soothe the itching?

Another annoying side affect of liver disease.

Xx

11 Replies
h0b0 profile image
h0b0

My partner had the same thing......Unfortunately even though he had a transplant in July the itching has come back !!!!! We are at a hospital appointment later today so will be asking advice. The only thing recommended as been e45 cream.xx

AyrshireK profile image
AyrshireK in reply toh0b0

Make sure you do mention it h0bO because there could be issues with his bile duct graft or something along those lines. It should be picked up on bloods and/or scans. But probably needs attention.

All the best to you both, Katie xx

h0b0 profile image
h0b0 in reply toAyrshireK

His bloods are ok as far as we know....has regular checks at St James...we're at the local hospital today to be "Signed Off" from them but will ask advice.xx

in reply toh0b0

Thank you.

Yes best to mention it to the team if the Itching has reoccured. Itching sounds pathetic but it really bothers him. We have been using aqueous cream and a e45 body wash and cream. Poor thing is still trying his best not to scratch.

He needs a drain so after that's been done he has some relief.

Exhausting.

Xx

AyrshireK profile image
AyrshireK

Hi poppy, sorry if i've missed it but what stage is hubby at regarding this assessment? I recall the big delay with the cardiology tests.

The itching (pruritus) is indicatory of bilirubin build up and needs attention - i'd be tempted to telephone Birmingham and run it past them. They might prescribe something like URSO which is a drug used by those with Primary Biliary Cholangitis to deal with bile issues or have good suggestions to help deal with it. As I understnd there is very little that can ease it because it really is the most intense itching anyone can experience. When Pearshapes hubby had it pre-transplant I think they were trying to relieve it with icy water and it was the only thing that helped. The thing is the itch isn't a skin itch but a sub-cutaneous itch and no amount of scratching will make it go away (and scratching it can lead to infection so he must try not to scrape it).

This needs medical attention and his bloods and things done now & if that transplant is on the cards he needs to be seen in T/P clinic a.s.a.p.

Fingers crossed for you both, Katie xx

in reply toAyrshireK

He is awaiting an MRI scan of his heart and the hopefully he will be 'activated' on the list before Christmas. We are back up in Birmingham on 21st Dec so will hopefully fingers crossed.

He is due back in Reading Hospital for a drain today so if the ward don't phone we go though the GP surgery later. He has a care plan in place saying what should happen during his drain removal etc. We have some horrific times in there recently.

We mentioned the Itching to the Doctor and he didn't seem concerned. His bloods are stable at present.

He tries not to scratch but it's not easy.

Thank you.

Xx

sheri44 profile image
sheri44

I struggled it before and still a little after. I got some cooling cream and was prescribed anti histamines. Hope it helps x

Dulux profile image
Dulux

I was prescribed chlorphenamine 4g which is the active ingredient in piriton. I itch but it's not too bad for me, do seek medical advice before taking, but it worked for me when I had chicken pox on top of my liver issues. Hope it helps, it was of the first symptoms I went to the doctor with years ago, because nothing would stop the itch.

Catfishjumpin profile image
Catfishjumpin

I have used organic apple cider vinger with a bit of organic coconut oil for years now. It works for me, thank heavens because that itching can really scare me. I cannot imagine how horrible it is for some people. I hope you find something that works for you. I honestly think its inflamed blood vessels from toxins that have risen to the top of our skin. Good luck.

in reply toCatfishjumpin

Thank you. Xx

Vdl1 profile image
Vdl1

Take benydryll every four hours use ice packs to soothe get some benydrll cream...make sure you normal pills not one a day...good luck....

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