Question about itching

[Toddyboo]

Hello Everyone,

I have a question about itching as I have read several posts here about PBCers c/o of itching. Most of the posts talk about itching legs or feet or arms but I was wondering about itching and other parts of the body. When I was first diagnosed a year or so ago, I had no noticeable issues with itching but now (not all of the time) I experience itching primarily in areas that secrete sweat or have moisture such as underarms, inner thighs, butt crack (LOL) etc. I know its not a yeast infection and I am extremely conscientious of making sure those areas are clean and dry after showering so, I was wondering if anyone else has had this experience and whether it might be all related to my PBC although, I suppose it could also be related somehow to my MPN (Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) Idk. All I do know is it can be extremely annoying for me at times. Thanks. ToddyBoo

[DonnaBoll Administrator]

Thanks for sharing this concern. My first thought is could you try those advertised whole body deodorants like Lume? It gets good reviews. It might help keep those areas dry.

[Toddyboo in reply to DonnaBoll]

Hi Donna,

I have seen Lume advertised and thought about trying that. My problem is not those areas being moist as I am able to keep those areas dry for the most part but dont understand why I have no other issues related to itching except in those areas. I read somewhere (I dont recall where) that sometimes itching in these areas may be related to bile acid secretion but I'm not sure. I am supposed to see my onco and my GI soon and will ask them about it, but they probably wont be of much help. Maybe its all of the polyester clothing we have today and no cotton (he, he) Sometimes an eczema lotion seems to help but it doesn't resolve the issue for the long term. I also use hypoallergenic laundry soap, no perfumed fabric softeners or lotions, soaps and wear cotton undergarments so Im not sure, but perhaps I will check into the Lume, as if it helps that would be a plus. Maybe all these medications don't help in that area either (Urso, BP meds, Hydroxyurea and aspirin for my MPN) but they are essential in order for me to avoid other health issues Thank you for your reply.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Toddyboo]

Itching is very common in folks with PBC but... some are lucky enough not to have it all or very little. Maybe seeing a dermatologist might help with your questions?

[Toddyboo in reply to DonnaBoll]

Thank you Donna for your reply. I have upcoming appts with my onco for my MPN this week and the following week with my GI doc. I will run this past both of them to see what they may or may not have to say if anything and perhaps set up an appt with a dermatologist but if I do, hopefully they wont just prescribe me a steroid cream or something to that effect LOL

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Toddyboo]

Just make sure the derm doc is aware of your liver condition. Let us know if you get that appt and what they said.

[Toddyboo]

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