Does anybody have any suggestions on how to deal with the itch caused by PBC, especially on the scalp? I can not sleep because of it!

[windyridge]

I have only just discovered this site so I am sorry if this has been asked before.

I have tried Bicarbonate of soda but it leaves my hair feeling like straw. Any tips please.

[Magnolia]

I can't answer about the itch on the scalp. But on the body, I found the lotion Sarna helps for a few hrs at a time. I was using Gabapentin at nights before bed for a while also. My Dr. had me on Cholestryamine but after about a year, constipation became a problem with it, so I had to stop it.

I have been fortunate enough that for a few months, I haven't been bothered by it so bad. Wear very soft frabrics, don't allow yourself to get too hot, and don't allow your skin to become too dry. Also drink plenty of water. Maybe see a determatologist about the scalp, it could be something else. Another problem some of us have is itching inside of our ears.

Magnolia

[zipitydoo]

I have been given Questran for the itch.

[windyridge in reply to zipitydoo]

I have read this is the treatment for the itch. My specialist has never suggested it but I shall ask him about it when I next see him. He has put me on Urso but that seems to do nothing.

[zipitydoo in reply to windyridge]

The urso didnt help my itch at all. I certainly know when I have forgotton to take the questran so it must be working.

[Nissa]

I've had trouble with an itchy scalp too. Using anti-itch shampoos, like the one made by Selsen Blue helps. It also helped me to cut back on shampooing my hair. Instead of using shampoo everyday, I now "wash" my hair with just conditioner on alternating days (it works better than you might think). Shampoo strips a lot of the oils away from your scalp, which can make it dry out.

[windyridge in reply to Nissa]

Thanks for that. I have never heard of Selsen Blue; where can I get it?

[Nissa in reply to windyridge]

Selsun Blue (I misspelled it before) is a kind of dandruff shampoo. It's fairly common in the US (where I am). Sorry, I didn't think about the fact that you might not be able to get it if you live elsewhere. But here is their website, just in case: selsunblue.com/buy.html

[windyridge in reply to Nissa]

Thanks for the website.

[Hidden]

Hello windyridge.

Sorry to hear you are having itching on the scalp. I don't have this but do have the itch at night-time.

I have tried Epsom Salts in the bath and they don't actually stop the itch but at night a couple hours before bed they do make one feel pretty good.

I have also used vinegar in the bath and also Cider Vinegar, both of which are supposed to be anti-fungal.

I still buy baby bath to wash myself in the shower as to me the itch is coming from inside so can't see the point in avoiding certain things I've never had any problems with prior. (I have always taken care with skin products as do have sensitive skin and was inflicted with eczema when I was a baby.)

I use any shampoo that I deem ok but just a thought, have you tried the anti-dandruff ones? Perhaps they could help?

Let us know how you are coping.

[windyridge in reply to Hidden]

Anti-dandruff shampoos have not worked for me. Will give the vinegar a whirl.

[littlemo]

I have had itch since the year before diagnosis. I have to say though don't tend to have it on the scalp much could it just be a dry scalp you have and maybe an anti-dandruff shampoo would do the trick? May I ask do you have the itch anywhere else on your body? Re the need for biopsy as far as i know in the u.k. this is usually only done to confirm a diagnosis. Is it your gp or a hepatologist ( liver specialist ) that wants you to have the biopsy?

[windyridge in reply to littlemo]

I have the itch down my back also but it is more bearable than the one on the scalp.

My liver specialist has confirmed PBC, but I have not yet had a biopsy.

[Pandemonium]

I also have itchies on my scalp. Drives me nuts sometimes, but I havn't found anything which works so would be interested if anyone has found anything.

[Jah1]

I use Betnovate scalp lotion prescribed. It soothes and stops itch. Also do not massage scalp when washing, just like washing a baby's hair, and do not leave conditioner on for long. Put it on and then rinse off pretty much straight away. I always use a gentle shampoo and a rich intensive conditioner. Good luck!

[windyridge in reply to Jah1]

Thanks. I am going to make an appointment with my doctor and ask to try Betnovate.

[zipitydoo in reply to Jah1]

My mum was prescribed betnovate years ago for shingles. Not heard of it before for PBC. The main thisng is it helps you.