Liver disease itching: What helps?

Posted by jeanne5009 @jeanne5009, Nov 26, 2018

Does anyone have info or treatments for itching? My scalp and lower back have a very itchy rash. Tried ointment shampoo, antihistamine and steroids...wont go away. I am Stage 4 liver cirrhosis. Dermatologist and PVP are stumped.

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bruddy | @bruddy | Jun 13 5:53pm

In reply to @jeanne5009 "Sounds great but I have no tub and the rash is on my scalp and my..." + (show)

Just a thought: Try to make your shower water as cold as you can tolerate without torturing yourself. The scalp and back receive the bulk of the water, and hot water could potentially be inflaming the skin.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Jun 9 9:59am

In reply to @sisliver "Try Tea tree wash" + (show)

Hi, @sisliver, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thanks for the suggestion for members dealing with itching related to a liver condition.

What is your liver-related diagnosis? How did itching arise with your condition?

sisliver | @sisliver | Jun 7 12:01pm

Try Tea tree wash

candybar1234 | @candybar1234 | Jun 5 12:26pm

I am extremely tired and agitated with weakness I can’t do anything and stand up. I need to work

frederickf | @frederickf | Jun 4 7:20am

Thanls Zherry!

gap | @gerryp | Jun 4 6:03am

In reply to @frederickf "I use "Sarna" cream. It smells terrible, but it works great. I am 4 years post..." + (show)

Yes, I didn’t like the smell either. They do make an unscented version that is hard to find. My wife found it on Amazon I believe, and it was much better.

a149771 | @a149771 | Jun 3 10:12pm

In reply to @gerryp "Mayo Clinic has one of the top transplant programs in the country if not the world,..." + (show)

I really appreciate your suggestion. I will try it.

Rick

frederickf | @frederickf | Jun 3 8:14am

I use "Sarna" cream. It smells terrible, but it works great. I am 4 years post and still get itching issues.

gap | @gerryp | Jun 2 8:47pm

In reply to @a149771 "We are listed at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Thanks for the feed back Rick" + (show)

Mayo Clinic has one of the top transplant programs in the country if not the world, so it’s good that you are there. In terms of itching, this is a symptom of liver failure due to the buildup of bile salts in your system. The liver is not able to eliminate them. I itched terribly for nearly 2 years and tried everything to alleviate it. There are drugs your doctor can prescribe that may work. I tried all of them, and none of them really helped me. You should also try Sarna lotion (I preferred the unscented version), and anti-histamines like Benadryl can also help. I also used witch hazel on a facecloth to help get some relief. All of these were temporary. Ultimately what worked for me the best were ice packs. My wife would pack me in ice at night. I think the cold distracted my neurological system from the itching. It would allow me to get some rest. She also bought me white cotton gloves on Amazon that I would wear at night to prevent myself from scratching my skin raw. I hope that you might find some relief from some of these ideas.