Liver disease itching: What helps?

@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.

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/

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

@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.

@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.