Liver Cirrhosis and itching

[MalcolmCClark]

Hi all any tips I can use to alleviate itching. I know it's a symptom of Cirrhosis and has only got bad in the last few weeks but not due to see my consultant for another 3 or 4 months and I can hear my GP now putting it down to dry skin. Oh and I'm allergic to most creams. Any thoughts?

[alfredthegreat]

Hi Malcolm.

Some people on the forum have meds to relieve the itching.

I always found that trying to keep cool helped. My itching was always worse at night when I was warm in bed. I would stick an arm and a leg out from under the duvet to cool down in winter and push the duvet off in summer.

I even resorted to putting towels in a plastic bin bag in the freezer and fetching them out to put on me, it helped for a while until my skin temperature rose again. Sometimes it helped enough to let me get off to sleep.

There are also cooling sprays that some have used.

Hopefully you will hear from others soon with their ideas on the subject.

I commiserate, I remember the times of trying to get nice and warm, only then to start to itch

Alf

.

[Hidden]

Hi Malcolm

I don't have Cirrhosis as far as I'm aware, but I do have prescribed Fexofendine medication which helps with the horrid itchy skin when it flares up until I'm diagnosed. I know Lynne takes it too!

Do hope you find something suitable soon !

Love Trish 💞

[MalcolmCClark in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Trish. Any advice is appreciated. How are you doing?

[Hidden in reply to MalcolmCClark]

Hi Malcolm

I'm fine thank you. I've just returned home from a candlelit Christmas Service held at St Chad, Kynnersley! The 13th century church was beautifully decorated throughout plus each of the congregation held a lit candle whilst singing which I found breath taking to watch. Shame hubby decided to stay home as he missed out on the yummy mince pies! 🙂

Well Nighty nite ! Love Trish x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I bet that was lovely. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi

Yes I do, 180 mg. Hope your Dr can prescribe it for you. Please take care of yourself Lynne

[Liver3]

Hi Malcom Been there yes it's crazy & worse at night! Since creams are not for you. Ask for some pills they help I can't recall the name but starts with an "L" . Google it. it helps and yes my Dr. acted like it was no big deal. It made me crazy. Now I rarely itch . I've had cirrhosis going on 3 years. Its life as usual most days I don't feel sick except my stomach has gotten bigger. I seem to crave sweets! So yes weight gain of 15/lbs which I'm trying to work on. Losing it again for 2 yrs after my diagnosis I started working out lost close to 30/lbs started having issues at home set me back. Good if you have support at home, which I don't! No one really understands us! Take care btw I have not Drank in ten years I had blood transfusions said it was bad had hep c! So my journey began Interferon then finally1 of the new drugs cleared me. Best of luck it should get better!

[Peeps7]

Hi, my husband is end stage and takes Fexofenadine 180mg, he started on one a day but as itching has accelerated, he takes 3 of same per day. The GP prescribed Fexofenadine when I went to see him and requested it by name. He also uses Eurax. Good luck, Anne x

[Hidden]

Good morning MalcolmCClark,

I can see our lovely forum members have provided suggestions. May I reiterate that keeping cool can be really helpful, particularly at bed time - perhaps a tepid bath or shower before bed?

If the symptoms persist, I would encourage you to chat with your GP about alternative trreatments, or try to bring forward you Consultant appointment.

Best wishes,

Trust9

[Jay1948]

I asked my GP when I had this problem , he suggested some tablets which you can get over the counter. I think they may have been some sort of anti-histamine. However, when I went into hospital they wouldn't let me have them, I don't know why,

As others have suggested it is best to have a chat with your GP (you can tell him it is NOT down to dry skin) before taking anything. Either that or phone your consultant's secretary and ask her to ask your consultant. Mine is very understanding and helpful.

[Salukimom]

I’m yet to be diagnosed but awaiting liver biopsy results and suspect aih. I’ve suffered the insanely itchy itch and it’s truly awful. The only thing that stops it once it’s started is something frozen on the area. But I’ve since discovered that cutting out meat helped. I’ve reduced my meat but I’ma real carnivore so couldn’t give it up completely. Beef definitely starts me itching within such a short amount of time. The itch is miserable so I feel your pain!

[Hidden]

Hi

Yes, fexofenadine 180mg is what I'm given. Hope your Dr will prescribe it for you. Please take care of yourself Lynne

[joeburger]

Same here I take Fexofenadine I still itch after transplant but that's to do with diabetes now. Be very careful not to scratch and break the skin you can so easily get an ulcer and because your body already has enough stuff to deal with it will take an eternity to heal I had one for over 18 months. I do sympathise with anyone who is suffering with itching...…….and as for those that say don't scratch the less said about that. I hope you find something that works.

[upthereds]

Try Thermocool (I think its called). It has a menthol base. We tried everything for my wife, and this was the best - but end stage itching is awful. Good luck