I have fatty liver disease, probably from too much wine (more than the recommended limit) and I have developed really itchy skin...

[liverish]

I've stopped drinking altogether, (and my diet is good) when am I likely to feel the benefits and when will the itch go away? What causes the itch?

[number1]

Hi. I had itchy skin a year ago (having had an emergency transplant in december 2010) Its wise to just ask for a scan from your gp as you MAY have a blockage - hence the itch. I had a scan and was diagnosed as having a blockage - had an op - was in for less then a week but have had no itchy skin since.

Good luck

[Hidden]

Hi

The itching is the thing we would all like to cover! I have been suffering for nearly 2 years with it, I have experimented with reducing caffine, creams etc etc in reality mine has got slowly better as my liver function improved. Mint foot cream from the bodyshop seems to help. (I dont know why)

My advice is to try and concentrate on things that reduce the itching untill you get to a level that is bearable

[Hidden]

DearLiverish,

As you know, there are many liver conditions/diseases which can potentially cause ‘itching’ which mainly affects the limbs but also the torso.

Your Itching, 'may' be a result of your liver’s inability to process bile. It is thought that bile acids are not the cause of the itching, but rather 'other'chemicals that are retained in the body. As with tiredness, the severity of the itching will vary from person to person, and is not an indication of the amount of liver damage.

Did you know that there is in fact an itch gene?!

You may have been checked for allergies etc, and perhaps you've seen a dermatolologist?

I understand that many GPs will suggest that a patient takes anti-histamine to reduce the itching, but if this doesn’t work, then there is something that they can prescribe called URSODEOXYCHOLIC ACID. This is very affective as it is said to improve the flow of bile and can also protect the liver by displacing more harmful bile acids.

Just to let you know that we've recently updated our Fatty liver publication, and it will be uploaded onto our website this week, so please do look out for it. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me on the Helpline number: 0800 652 7330, and I'd be more than happy to help if I can.

Best wishes,

Sarah Tattersall

Patient Enquiry Officer

British Liver Trust