Liver disease itching: What helps?

Hi Jeanne,
Sorry for the late reply here, but I wanted to share a piece of my story in case it might help. I am 2-3 weeks away from my 1yr “anniversary” and just developed this itching. I was scratching so much at night that I actually made myself bleed it was so intense. My dermatologist said it was dry skin since we just moved from south Florida to Denver, and she said I’m just dry from the change in humidity. I tried every cream available (even the $100 ointment that was no help). Long story short, last week a new doctor prescribed Atarax(pill form), and within 30min I was itch free for the first time in months! Needless to say it’s been added to my med list so it’s there when I need it. I highly recommend talking to your doctor(s) to see if it might help. Good luck!!

Good morning
I used Aveeno oatmeal bath 3x p/week. And used Gold Bond daily and nightly. It didn't make it go away, but it did help.
Hope this helps ☺️

Hi, @rosemarya. I was diagnosed with PSC in 2005. From that time until around 2020 I was coping and managing PSC with the usual drug regiment. I had a pretty bad bleed esophageal in Colorado (on vacation) and had an emergency banding done.

With that episode it was time to go to Duke transplant clinic. I had developed some scaring on the liver and it was determined that autoimmune hepatitis was causing that. Add inguinal hernia on right side below liver-diagnosed a few months back to the mix. Said there's a 13% chance for liver decomposation.

I am currently working to get stronger and get BMI down. Also will see a denist for a recommended deep clean. Plus other to do items such as an upcoming MRCP, EGD and some 34 lab test.
My current MELD is 17 and I have the listing which will be done in late October. I hope the listing is successful. When is accepted, then take care of hernia.

No @lsheerin , it is prescription.

Hi, @chuckg, and Welcome to Connect.
I am a patient who experienced the awful constant itching with my liver disease, PSC, before I received my transplant in 2009. I have not seen anyone refer to the ointment which you have mentioned(Mupirocin ointment) so I looked it up. I read that Mupirocin ointment is a medication that treats bacterial skin infections. It prevents bacteria growth and kills existing bacteria on your skin.
Since you have posted in this, the transplant group, I want to caution that itching is a symptom of liver disease, and it is not caused by an infection of bacteria. Also with a liver disease, it is best to discuss any over-the counter medications with your doctor.

Are you a patient with a liver disease? Have you shared your itchy skin with your doctor?

Is this over the counter?

I use Mupirocin ointment which is a skin antibiotic and used for bacteria. It helps my itching and stops it pretty quickly.

@deanna2, I see that you have recently joined Connect and I want to extend my Welcome to you. I am happy to hear that you found a solution that works to relieve your itching! And I commend you for reminding everyone to check the ingredients in any vitamins or supplements that are purchased over the counter. I want to add a very important precaution for ALL transplant patients - Always check with your transplant team before you take any over-counter supplements or vitamins because some can be harmful or interfere with our medications. 🤍

deanna2, Are you comfortable to share more about yourself? Do you or your doctors know what caused your itching? Do you have a liver condition? Are you a transplant patient?

I learned from personal experience that too much niacin (Vitamin B-3) can cause liver damage and consequential itching. I suggest you check any supplements you are taking to see if they contain niacin that might add up to be too much. I've read it's unlikely to get too much just from food. When I stopped taking my niacin supplement, the itching, and hopefully the liver damage, went away. Best wishes.

Good morning
It seems like I always seem to have something to say. What can I say I'm Canadian we're very helpful. pre-transplant I used Aveeno oatmeal bath and Eucerine calming. I found it was helpful. It didn't "kill" the itch but it helped. I wish your wife good luck on her journey. ☺️