Liver disease itching: What helps?

@jeanne5009 you may have seen several of my posts on this topic. I have come to terms that there is absolutely nothing that gives me relief. I am also stage 4 but the itching started much earlier. I wish I could be of more help. Several others have tried various remedies that have helped them. Maybe one may be right for you. Best of Luck.

@jeanne5009 Have you tried soaking in Epsom salt baths? You will absorb magnesium through your skin which helps detox right through your skin. I get an itchy back, and the baths help that. I've been doing a lot of physical therapy and myofascial work that liberates toxins when the tissue rehydrates, and I need to do this every now and then. Soak for at least 20 minutes. I usually do this for an hour.

Sounds great but I have no tub and the rash is on my scalp and my back....there must be a way..lol

Hi Jeanne, I also had severe itching with my liver disease, as did other liver patients.

At first, for the itching, I took an over-the-counter antihistamine. At first this helped give me some relief. But when my itching became severe, my local GI wrote a prescription for Chlorestyramine, a bilebinder and that gave me the relief I needed. It was a powder that I added to a glass of water and drank. But that could have been related to my liver disease, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) a disease that affects the bile ducts.

As far as a topical relief – I got some relief with Sarna anti itch lotion. It is an over the counter lotion.
I also found that a warm bath in Aveeno bath treatment for itchy skin was helpful and soothing, but getting in and out of the tub, was too much for my swollen body at that time.

I don't remember when or why, but sometime during my pre transplant time, and my care by transplant team in Kentucky, and later at Mayo, my itching eased as other bothersome symptoms took over.

Jeanne, Here is a discussion about itching in the Kidney and Bladder Group.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/itchy-skin-2ee1a9/

@rosemarya
Like almost all of our symptoms...they go away and we get a new more exciting one! Lol...Ill get a M.D. before all this is over..but oh yeah...its never over til it is over. Im at the drs now so will see what he says today. Tomorrow back to the dermatologist...again! I'll keep you posted.

@jeanne5009 I found an unscented lotion version with Epsom salts in it. It's from Morton (as in Morton table salt). I think I found it at a Walmart, but you can find it online too. If you wanted to use the crystal version of Epsom salts, use a smaller towel and make a warm solution of it in a tub, soak the towel, and sit with that on you in your shower for a little bit before you dry off. You don't have to rinse that off and can do it after a shower. You can also just use a wash cloth and do this too and apply that to your scalp daily.

@jenniferhunter
Thank you for this info...I will try this tonight...

@rosemarya
My PCP agreed with your anti itch remedies so Ive got my fingers crossed. My ALT values were up too so we will retest in 2 wks. Then Im due for MRI endoscopy and routine bloodwork. No rest for tje weary.

I hope you will feel some relief from itching. What has he suggested for you to do?

Jeanne, you are absolutely correct: No rest! How are you feeling, other than the itching?
Forgive me for asking, but I can't remember, are you on the waiting list for a transplnt? or are you in the waiting and watching phase?

@rosemarya
Yep the waiting and watching phase for the next delightful symptom. The studying phase..the too little sponge phase. I look remarkably well...
.so they tell me. I was evaluated at Mayo Jax in June as a"good candidate" just "too early"
Meld is 8. I have a long way to go I guess. To me...that means that everything I have to endure til my time..will be passed on for others to study and absorb. I'm sure you have been there done that! Hoping my sarcastic sense of humor holds out.
Since Mayo is out of network on my plan, I use Tampa General for my go to hepatologist. When it's time I hope to go to Mayo.