Itching driving me mad

[Spanishnan]

I have tried everything I can think of to stop this constant itching. Can't sleep at night as its driving me mad. My skin is so sore from scratching, even my eyes itch. Anything new out there to help with this condition?

[butterflyEi]

I have ended up with a mixture of medication which has mostly controlled the itch. I take 300mg of Rifampicin, 25mg Sertraline and 750mg gabapentin. These are spread through the day but I think you would need to see a doctor to guide you as the Rifampicin needs to be monitored to start off with. I also add Certraline in the summer as needed.

Oddly I read years ago about eating oats so I always have porridge for breakfast and stay well hydrated, I notice a difference if I forget that glass of water by my side all day.

Have you tried bicarbonate of soda in freshly boiled cooled water to bathe the eyes and HydroSan eye drops.

I do not think there is anything new at the moment, a study for a new medication for the itch was halted. It may have been called Seladelpar or similar. Some have reported that Bezafibrate has been beneficial but again that really needs to be specialist monitored.

Hope some of this helpful.

[Jude1]

I had this trouble my GP gave me antihistamine tables why don't you try.

[Junction2]

I had that itch with cholestasis when I was pregnant with my children abs have since gone on to develop PbC so now at least I understand why I had trouble when I was pregnant. The only thing that stopped the itch when I was pregnant was a bicarbonate and water paste that we made up and I would lather it on my legs and feet. It seemed to cool the blood down so I would stop itching but it’s very messy. I haven’t had the itch return to that level since being diagnosed with pbc and dredding it as it was just horrendous. Hope you find something that helps with it.

[Larrysgirl]

I went through the same thing... My dr and I tried everything, 2 or 3 prescription meds and every over the counter med I could find. She finally prescribed 50 mg of zoloft and it worked. I still itch but nothing like before, I was up all night and scratching sores all over me, it was such hell. I home school my grandchildren and run our home which was near impossible on such little sleep. With the zoloft I only wake up about once per night itch a little then go back to sleep. The daytime itching is minimal thankfully. I am finally starting to feel like myself again. Almost all the sores have healed. My skin was feeling like leather from all the scratching now is starting to heal. I also drink lots of water and don't eat any sugar and very little carbs. I pray that you get relief soon. I know how debilitating it can be. I just kept asking my dr for help until she found what worked. Blessings, Anni

[Spanishnan in reply to Larrysgirl]

Many thanks for your reply, that is exactly how I am feeling. The skin on my arms is lumpy and like leather from all the scratching. Will speak with my Dr about zoloft and pray it works for me too.