Itching and Bruising

[Amy_Lucille]

So for the past 4 maybe 5 weeks my legs have been very itchy. I know stratches happen but I felt the need to itch it as one would itch a mosquito bite. Then i would notice a bruise a few hours later. Before i knew it my thighs, calves and shins were covered in bruises that wouldnt go away for almost a week. I got my blood tested for anemia but the results came back normal and now Im out of possible answers. This has given me serious anxiety and stress. If it felt normal that would be one thing but it doesnt, and I dont want my health to be at risk. Please help. Thanks!

[Hidden]

Do you know what your ALT enzyme is and are you smooth muscle negative

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if it's a new symptom for you, a visit to your doctor may help and if the itch is PBC related there are treatments you can try to aliviate it.

I don't itch , but iam sure someone will come on and let you know the names of what is available.

[butterflyEi]

Hi Amy_Lucille

Have you been diagnosed with PBC? Itching (pruritus) is a symptom of PBC and sometimes when it is really bad it is easy to bruise the skin whilst trying to alleviate the irritation. I suffer with the so called itch of PBC. Trying to scratch the itch does not work for me it just makes the lower tissue tender. Before I was prescribed medication for the itch I used to use ice directly on the skin as this seemed to help confuse the skin and give me a short lived moment of peace. The first line of defence usually prescribed for the itch is Cholestyramine after that other medications are added to the mix until hopefully a resolution is found.

A 2% menthol cream helps to keep the skin supple, as you do not want to break it, whilst also helping again to confuse the skin. It is only temporary as it is a topical application.

If you have not had a diagnosis I believe a visit to your doctor for a liver function test would give you more information.

best wishes

[Amy_Lucille in reply to butterflyEi]

Thank you for responding and I didnt notice this was a PBC foundation website at first, i signed up because im out of options of what this could be. No i have not been diagnosed but i think that would be a good idea now that you mention it. I hope i find out more, thanks!

[butterflyEi in reply to Amy_Lucille]

Amy_Lucille

do come back to us and let us know how you get on and if you need any help this group is great and also The PBC Foundation has a help line if you need further information.

best wishes

[Rockie]

Amy Lucille You have my sympathy. I know that feeling with the terrible itch. If it itch you cannot stop scratching and that is what other people cannot understand.