Greenfern

[Greenfern]

Hi Everyone,

Has anyone figured out a way to alleviate the itching from PBC? My situation improved for a while and now the terrible itching is back. I have tried antihistamines and they really don't work great. Please let me know if you have found anything to alleviate the itching. I really appreciate it. Thank you!

[rderezin]

I have had problem forever.. reduce or shorten bathing time...use a good lotion ..I finally settled on Bonds and wear long sloose sleeves and pants during itch cycles ...also avoid tights or panthose if possible. Finally try to get your mind off urge to itch by whatever method works for you.

[Greenfern in reply to rderezin]

Thank you! Good advice!

[Larrysgirl]

After trying several meds my Dr. finally landed on 50 MG of zoloft. Worked perfectly. I was itching my skin bloody with scratches and scabs everywhere.

Hope you get relief soon, Blessings, Anni

[Greenfern in reply to Larrysgirl]

Thank you for letting me know this. Were you also taking the Ursodiol along with the Zoloft? I'm not really sure what the Ursodiol is doing for me. I may ask my Internist about the Zoloft to help the itching, I'm just afraid of being on too many meds.

[Larrysgirl in reply to Greenfern]

Yes, I also take Urso for the PBC. It doesn't help at all with the itching. I only take those 2 meds. I don't like taking too much medication either, but I can't have a normal life with the itching. I was only getting 2 or 3 hours of sleep and I was causing my skin to be raw with bloody scratches and scabs everywhere. It was a nightmare. I can't believe one little 50mg pill can make such a difference.

Prayers and blessings, Anni

[Greenfern in reply to Larrysgirl]

This is so helpful. Thank you!

[Larrysgirl in reply to Greenfern]

You are so very welcome

[Samanthaann]

Try oatmill bath by Aveeno and Curel itch defense lotion. Please keep us posted if it helps or not.

[Purply]

hey I had terrible itching and Rifampin helped me praise the Lord! It’s a drug for tuberculosis but has been known to help PBC patients so ask your dr about it; I had tried several other drugs and holistic routes to no avail. Take care and I hope the itching gets relieved!! I ruined my arms and legs and stomach with scars from insatiable itching; I know how you feel.

[Greenfern in reply to Purply]

Thank you so much! I will talk with my doctor about this medication.

[Hidden]

It's torture, gabapentin helps with sleeping through it, for me anyway

[AnchorBar]

Hi there … the itching can be horrific, but antihistamines might not be a help because the cause of the itch is not an allergen. Talk with your doc about the use of antihistamines and most pain relievers (especially NSAIDs!) as they negatively impact your liver. Also, ask your doctor about adding a statin to your URSO, such as bezafibrate. It’s a cholesterol medication that has been recognized as extremely beneficial to liver function - my itching disappeared with the addition of this med. Good luck!

[Greenfern in reply to AnchorBar]

Thanks for this information! I will ask my Internist about it. Really appreciate it and I know that all these antihistamines are not good for me! So another option would be better.

[AnchorBar]

Meanwhile … keep the temperature of your showers as cool as you can handle, and drugstore hydrocortisone cream is your best friend

[CeeCee101]

I cannot recommend David Jones’ book on PBC enough. He does NOT recommend antihistamines for some very specific reasons. Questran (sp?) is a medication, ask your hepatologist. They should know all front line treatments for itch. For me swimming in a cool pool helps as does tons of lotion, I use Alba Herbal Healing. Avoid hot water.

[TXgal323]

My doctor prescribed Sertraline which is the generic of Zoloft. It completely stopped my itching. My hepatologist has prescribed it for many of her patients.