Total body itching

[MississaugaLiver]

Hubby was diagnosed last February with cirrhosis. Hasn’t touched alcohol since, eats very well and gets plenty of exercise. About two weeks ago the non stop itching started. It begins late in the day and some nights he sleeps in a different room, as he can’t sleep. He uses moisturizer and medicated powder. Just curious as to why this started now and not when he was first diagnosed. Could it be a side effect of the diuretics? Any insight as to what others are doing would be helpful. Does it ever stop?

[PoorlyLiver]

I too have recently developed itching, no known cirrhosis (but then no biopsy to say otherwise). I am also sneezing a lot too, so veering towards allergy and currently trying to eliminate what I think are food triggers. Latest possible culprit is live yogurt - I read it is a histamine producing food. Currently on day 2 of no yogurt and feels is easing. Antihistamine will suppress it so that might help your hubby, I am avoiding doing that so as to conduct my elimination experiment. I know cirrhosis can cause itching, but there can also be other causes to think about. If he is getting desperate for a good night's sleep he could try an antihistamine tablet before bedtime?

[Richard-Allen]

If you have liver disease, you might have higher levels of bile salt accumulating under the skin, which may cause itching.

Not everyone with high levels of bile salts feels itchy, and some people feel itchy despite a normal bile salt level. Some people with pruritus have raised histamine levels. Antihistamines aren’t usually effective in treating it, though. Speak to your doctor about treatment.

Be careful about buying certain online medications that claim to help, these may end up doing more harm to the liver as a lot of the ingredients are unknown. There is no wonder cure.

[Roz22]

My husband gets relief from itching with eurax cream you can buy over the counter at Boots. Hope this helps.

[cammeag]

Hi. So sorry to hear of your husband itching, I know how it feels and have total sympathy for him. I was so bad some nights I just wanted to smash my head off my bedroom walls(not recommended). The same as your husband, I did not have the itching in hospital after my liver failure or in convalescence but after I returned to my own home.

I tried most things. Changing bedclothes, pyjamas, no pyjamas, cold air, warm air, showers in the middle of the night. So I totally sympathise.

How did I gain relief. Well, sounds corny but I prayed then I fully immersed myself in research...I was not alone and it is very common among individuals with poorly livers.

Sorry for the diatribe, you obviously want answers.

I would shower twice daily. 6am and 10am, purchased an aloe vera body wash that’s not harmful or irritable, I start off with water warm not hot, and work it to very cold for 10–15 seconds before I get out, if he does that keep house warm until he’s clothed. 15% urea moisturiser (cannot say name on here: but you can PM me), washing powder for bed clothes and nightwear changed to a sensitive boots one suitable for babies.

Drink tonic water and fruit before bed before his carbohydrate meal. Avoid anything like chocolate and sweets as it works the liver harder, needs to turn sugar into fat. Ask your doctor for some Eurax cream and apply to areas that are about to erupt into rashes.

Finally I take all my meds before final carbohydrate meal, normally 11pm ‘including diuretics, doesn’t matter if you pee. 3/4 times if not sleeping I take bottle to bed(Amazon,) sometimes the meds can make you sleepy and you get off to nice start.

Honestly, I never saw relief in sight. I stuck at this, it worked to a level straight away but now unless I break my regime, I am itch free.

This is me, it may not suit your husband. It was trial and the error. My faith kept me going. I truly hope he gains some relief in this as it is just as bad as pain. Please take car and let us know how your husband gets on.

[Hidden]

Hi,

Have you spoken to the liver consultant about this? They may need to run some tests to establish the cause. They would also be best placed to advise on what to use topically.

Best wishes.

[GrannyDoll61]

My hubby was demented with the itching before his transplant .He found dream cream from lush was the only thing that helped.

[Catlady1972]

The itching drove me insane last thing at night and then first thing in the morning 😫.A consultant advised me to take a antihistamine and use Eurax cream on the area of the itch( keep the cream in the fridge) and go to sleep in a cool room. Hope this helps and please check with your husbands Doctors X