Does the Itching ever stop?

[LeiL]

Itching is a new symptom just added to my illness and it’s pretty bad. My scalp, face, and ankles are just a nightmare. Does it ever subside? Anti-histamines are only effective if I take A LOT—-EVERYDAY. Not going to do that.

The itching started after (1) starting a new thyroid medication (2) taking prednisone after a car accident (3) Christmas holidays where I consumed sweets. Yes, my diet was awful and I’m paying for it.

[nash2 Partner]

Hi Lei

That sucks. I'm sure you know that the itching is a sign that your chemistry is messed up. It is likely that you are having a flare of inflammation primed by the steroids and ramped up by the sugar. You certainly want to be aware that this puts you at greater risk so don't hesitate to consult your doc, but the answer probably lies in your diet. Avoiding things that are inflammatory and eating small amounts should help but it does take some time ordinarily. You might get some ideas here.

fattyliverfoundation.org/li...

Wayne

[LeiL in reply to nash2]

Thanks for the response. Doctors are of no assistance their only recommendation is psychological counseling. They think it is all in my mind. They point to the ALT/AST and say “they are normal so it can’t be your liver.”

[nash2 Partner in reply to LeiL]

Many of us have normal ALT/AST. Mine have always been ordinary and I have cirrhosis. Your docs are like many who think ALT is the only thing to consider. You might share this study which shows this conclusion

25% NAFLD patients and 19% NASH patients possess the normal ALT value in the clinical manifestation. The value of ALT in the clinical diagnosis of NAFLD and NASH remains need be further testified.

bmcgastroenterol.biomedcent...

[LeiL in reply to nash2]

Wayne, when you “puts you at greater risk”…for what? I’ve always heard heard that itching doesn’t translate to a prognosis.

[nash2 Partner in reply to LeiL]

Lei

True, itching is a symptom, I was just referring to the fact that when your liver is struggling more than normal for you it puts you at greater risk of developing other liver related complications.

[Alterity]

The itching never goes away, but mine is much better as my liver is getting a little better. I do believe some of it goes with the diet. Most of my itching is hands and feet and occasionally goes wild underarms and neck. Make sure all meds you take go through your kidneys and not your liver as meds harms your liver more. Ask your doctor when getting a script. Some do not harm the liver. Just remember everything affects your liver, you treat it bad, it treats you bad. Been there, done that...

[LeiL in reply to Alterity]

For me it’s my scalp and ankles.

[ladyellyn]

Do you have a rash where it itches?

[LeiL in reply to ladyellyn]

No, not at this time.