Liver disease itching: What helps?

Hi, @mgabby17 , and Welcome to Mayo Connect. Many thanks to you for sharing a treatment that has helped you with your debilitating itching. I suffered with itching for a period of time prior to my transplant when my liver developed cirrhosis due to my liver diseas. I know that you are fortunate to have some relief.
@mgabby17, Are you, by any chance a liverpatient? It doesn't matter, I'm just curious because I will try to to lcommect you with other liver patients if you are. Otherwise, please feel free to participate in any conversation that is of interest to you. or where you can offer support to others as you have done here.
Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

This helped me the most. I'll send up some 🙏🏻 for ya too. I know what you're going through.

I use a strong anti-dandruff shampoo called Selsun Gold every other day, not every day. I also have started using a dedicated facial cleanser for inflammation and blemishes as well La Posay balm/cream moisturiser. My issue is Seborrheic Dermatitis as I have had a lung transplant and have to take immuno-suppressants.

I'm kinda late to the conversation but I had itching for about a year and went to every kind of doctor that would listen. I got all kinds of treatment plans which none worked. One day I was scouring the pharmacy over the counter products and found a spray on Benadryl. It was amazing. It can be a bit sticky if you put too much on but a dusting of corn starch baby powder fixes that. It is the only thing that worked. I keep in around all the time now. Worth a try....

Hi Rosemary, yes I was diagnosed with PSC in 2017. I began itching at least a year prior. It has been my biggest battle. I have been on Ursodiol since diagnosis. Also, I have tried every drug known to help the itching. Diet too, but I am always looking for advice. Thank you.

@mgabby17, I was diagnosed with PSC probably around the year 2000. I also took URSO. I gradually developed fatigue and was prerty much symptom free until summer 2008 when my itching began. Gradually the itch got worse and I was miserable. I tried topical creams and for me I got some relief fron Sarna anti itch lotion. I also found some relief by taking a warm soaking bath in Aveeno Oatmeal Bath Treatment. My GI prescribed, Cholestyramine (Cholestyramine - used to treat itching caused by a blockage in the bile ducts of the gallbladder). That did offer some relief. I don't remember how long I took that because my liver began to decline and I developed other symptoms, and was referred for a transplant in late 2008. I received a transppant in April 2009.

@mgabby17 - I want to share the link to PSC Partners Seeking a Cure. They provide education and support to people directly affected by PSC.
https://pscpartners.org/
- Mgabby17, Are you having any other symptoms with your PSC? Are you being treated by a GI with liver experience or a liver specialist?

My husband had itching before his liver transplant. After trying a number of topical treatments and creams, he saw a dermatologist who agreed to treat him with light therapy. Over time, it worked and he hasn’t had itching since.
(I had light therapy several years ago for a completely unrelated condition. After years of searching for a diagnosis—originally diagnosed with eczema, but that wasn’t correct—my dermatologist/oncologist suggested trying light therapy. After several months of twice-weekly treatment, the itching was completely gone and has not recurred for several years).
I suggest consult with your liver team and at least asking a dermatologist.

@rosemarya Thank you. I do experience fatigue, some abdominal pain, weight loss ( in the past few months) and nausea. I see a liver specialist. I just had a fiber scan and will have new blood work and will meet in a few weeks.

Hi
I’m experiencing the same. Had transplant July 2024. Had severe bile duct clog that led to septic shock. Not fun.

I’m on my third ERCP to stretch the duct.

How did this get resolved, if at all, for you?