Anyone know how to relieve the itching... - British Liver Trust
Anyone know how to relieve the itching due to ALD,please It's driving me mad, I've tried CALAMINE but not very effective.
Hi,
sorry to hear you are having a rough time. Hace you spoken to your dictor about an antihistamine? I didnt find anything topical that help me but maybe someone else has a good tip.
Best of luck.
Ax
The topical cream Eurax acted very well for me as did the widely available E45 Itch Relief Cream
Most chemists sell both
Good luck and if you can do so then it is best to avoid the temptation to scratch.
Thanks for your reply will try one and hope it works
In liver disease the itch is often caused by hepatic cholestasis which is a problem in the flow of bile (a digestive fluid that helps the body process fat). There are drugs which help clear the excess bile salts, you will need to talk to your doctor about that. There is a drug called Cholestyramine that is sometimes used, but you need to switch to a low cholesterol and low saturated fat diet with this.
In the meantime, restric the amount of salt and saturated fat in your diet, and talk to your doctor about calcium, vit D3 and supplementing the water soluble vitamins c and B complex, oh, and absolutely no alcohol!
Hi, I was diagnosed with CLD in 2010 and that is partly BECAUSE I was prescribed Ciclosporin for an unexplained eczema-esque skin condition since 2007, of which severe itching (pruritis) is a feature. I use Crotamiton Lotion for large areas, and Crotamiton Cream in the smaller areas. Obviously there are steroid creams as well, but I am not sure if you have a rash or red spots accompanying the pruritis. I also recommend Chlorphenamine (formerly known as Chlorpheniramine) -brand name Piriton. In severest of itching and at night, Hydroxyzine is excellent and its sole purpose is the treatment of pruritis, but makes one extremely drowsy so only suitable before bed. Promethazine hydrochloride (Phenergan) is another of these sedating antihistamines. None are contraindicated in Liver disease. Don't rely on a Hepatologist to know all this- very few have expertise on skin conditions (it not being their speciality they wouldn't!) so if GP unwilling to prescribe any of the above, ask to be referred to a dermatologist. Let me know how you get on- I have been plagued with itchy skin for many years now and you really have to stay on top of it with a combo of creams and tablets.
