Does anyone use anything to reduce itching? I’ve become really anxious since my diagnosis leaving home feels daunting..

[RammieLea]

It’s really encouraging to share stories. I gained weight and loss of hair when I was diagnosed with PBC. I use natural products not really seeing much results. My skin has changed I have bumps and lumps on hands and feet. Does anyone else suffer with inflammation of the skin?

[ninjagirlwebb]

Not sure if pbc related but I had 2 incidents of skin issues since diagnosis, 1 was like an allergic reaction and it was all over my neck, itchy. I went to the dermatologist and she gave me prescription strength hydrocortisone and it went away.

Another time, I developed a non itchy rash on my forearm which looked like I burned myself...discoloration. I went to the dermatologist. It might have been contact dermatitis. She prescribed an ointment and told me to use it daily & if it didnt go away in 2 weeks, then she would do a biopsy on it. Fortunately it went away.

I also have scalp psoriasis. Saw dermatologist and she prescribed an antibiotic ointment to treat it. She also recommended using either Head & Shoulders and/or Neutrogena T Gel shampoo.

I think you should see a dermatologist to address your skin issues. They will know what to do for you.

[ninjagirlwebb]

Additionally, weight gain and loss of hair might be related to thyroid issues. Many pbc patients also have thyroid issues; have one of your doctors run a tsh test for you to rule that out.

[RammieLea in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

Thank you.. I will definitely ask Dr for the test

[Gioielli5]

I have had PBC for fifteen years now. I have been a vegetarian for 23 years. I have never suffered from ‘the itch’, Is there a correlation? No scientific evidence but many of us vegetarians are ‘itch free’. Maybe worth trying.

[RammieLea in reply to Gioielli5]

Wow that’s so interesting. It does make sense to eat well with PBC. The itch should be enough to help make the choice to change.

I am currently comfort eating... I’m struggling to make changes even though I never keep it down long enough...

Not sure if I need extra help to get myself sorted

[Gioielli5]

I am now 66. Although took a little while toget my head around it when first diagnosed, it really isn’t that bad. Still get fatigue but generally live a normal life. Cutting out meat might help with the itch. My thinking is that the liver produces extra bile to try to digest meat but if not all used it travels around the body and causes irritation. With no meat the bile produced is enough to digest the vegetables ( and fish sometimes) without too much difficulty. It is worth giving a try. Keep positive and good luck. X

[RammieLea in reply to Gioielli5]

Thank you, I can cut out meat... I’ll have to get myself sorted soon.. I hate vomiting all the time... causing uncomfortable chest pain.. when I’m able to sleep, I have to sleep sitting up... thank you so much for sharing, it’s so helpful. It’s so encouraging it made a huge difference... I have hope that can have a normal like. And create a bigger family ❤️

[Gioielli5]

Good luck. ❤️