Skin and PBC

[Kakey]

Hi all, this is my first post. I was just diagnosed this month, and am not on Urso yet, but will be soon, hopefully.

I'm wondering if it's a PBC, or a compromised liver, thing to have rashly/spotty skin on the face. It comes and goes, and sometimes goes very quickly, not like the way spots would normally behave.

Has anyone had a similar issue, pre-diagnosis? I've had this for a couple of years, and it seems likely I've had PBC for at least 4 years.

Many thanks.

[butterflyEi]

This is not something I have experienced although pre URSO days the doctor had diagnosed me with rosacea.

As the bile ducts are not functioning so well the liver is not able to filter and flush out toxins so that maybe why you are having skin problems. It may help to increase the amount of water you drink throughout the day .

If it does not settle down once you have been on URSO long enough to be in your system it may be worth seeing a dermatologist so taking photographs of when the skin is bad may be useful to you.

[iagra]

I had PBC (based on some of of my liver tests), for 7-10 years before I was formally diagnosed. My Alk Phos was just slightly elevated for a number of years. But, only when Alk Phos shot up and GGT became high, I was diagnosed with PBC. I've been on Urso since 2016.

Not sure about your rash. Best is to consult with dermatologist. It could be related to your autoimmune system, just like PBC. Many of us have more than just one autoimmune disorder. On the other hand, your rash could be totally unrelated.

Good luck!

[Joel31 in reply to iagra]

Could be a type of lupus.

[zinchunter]

I agree with Iagra. Autoimmune diseases go together. I have psoriasis as well as pbc and get itchy little postules, for which a dermatologist prescribed a daily antihistamine, fexofenadine. I am equally sure that skin issues can come from many other causes.

[Kakey]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I previously saw my GP about this, but she didn't see the need to refer me to a specialist.

I do need to see my GP at some point, because I want to talk to her about PBC and possible related things, so I'll add skin to that.

[Nellies47]

Hi Karen.

I'm not 100% sure what the exact criteria is for diagnosing PBC, I just know I have been diagnosed. I have fatigue for years and itch and generalised pain in limbs which liver specialist says is all part of it.

Hope your well.

Nelly

[Nellies47]

Sorry to Kakey