Itch relief

[Lookforward]

What are you guys using to manage itching

Especially at night it feels like I'm being eaten alive from inside out !

All usual stuff tried - cider vinegar , lots of aveeno cream , regularly shower at night , cold room , no duvet etc - antihistamine

Any suggestions welcome

Look forward

[butterflyEi]

Hi Lookforward

In the past I have used Cetirizine two tablets twice a day and it did control the itching for a while but the anti histamine route stopped working. I am now prescribed colestyramine in the guise of Questran Light (not very nice to take) and Rifampicin 600mgs a day split over two doses. This has helped to dull the itch but has not removed it completely. At least I can function now.

I also use a 2%menthol cream as a top up - it is a topical application which is only temporary and when all else fails out comes the ice cubes from the freezer!

[Lookforward in reply to butterflyEi]

Thank you butterfly EI for this advise .. I will discuss the meds with my gp

Yes I also use ice sheets to lie on .. it is helpful

[tess303 in reply to butterflyEi]

Hi,

I also wanted to take Rifampicin for the itch but my doctor told me that I can only take it for not more then 2 weeks because it will damage my liver

[cfsummerford72]

Questran lite and hydroxyzine

[Lookforward]

Thank you . Got my doc to prescribe so hoping it will ease the itch

[butterflyEi in reply to Lookforward]

Hi Lookforward

Just seen you have asked doctor to prescribe so just wanted to say in case you have not seen any information colestyramine (Questran or Questran Light) takes quite a while to get into the system for me it was about 6-8 weeks so do persevere and also if I do not offend you will see white specks in your stool. I found the best way to get the questran down is to use a thickish juice, cannot stomach it in water. Stick with it though and I hope it will help to relieve some of your discomfort.

best wishes

[Lookforward in reply to butterflyEi]

Thank you for your helpful advice .. am taking question now and hopefully it will make a difference soon

It's so great to have someone who has lived the experience to get valuable advice from

Keep well you

[ewagstrom]

So sorry for you, friend. I have idiopathic urticaria which I control with 10mg Zyrtec in the morning and in the evening. I've just started a bit of itching that is different and I believe due to the PBC, but I think it is not too bad yet because of the Zyrtec. My allergist prescribed Zyzal in addition to the Zyrtec which helped. However, I have to say that ice truly does a great job.

[Lookforward]

Thank you and all others for such valuable advice ..

Have started taking question now and am feeling positive .. also I have been able to email my consultant who responded quickly and agreed re questran so all is good ..