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Liver disease itching: What helps?
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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Good morning from Canada
I used Aveeno oatmeal bath for the itch. Also used eucerine cream. It's a cream for psoriasis.
Hopefully this helps
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1 ReactionMy Meld score is 19 and they haven't even mentioned a transplant. Itching constantly, can't sleep at night, my nose bleeds,etc. I am looking for a second opinion. I'm using the VA at the moment but not sure they are that great
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1 ReactionMy 72 yo bf has HCC. This can cause ensepilapathy. Not sure on that spelling. He has problems remembering simple words and names. Very tired. He's stage 4. HCC is also causing Hepatopulmonary syndrome and he has a spot on his left lower lung. He just had a biopsy last Thursday. Waiting on results. His main problem is the itching. He can handle the other stuff but this is driving him insane. Just started Ursodoil yesterday. He has been prescribed everything under the sun for it. Lactose is his best friend. I'm researching methylene blue. It has good results for brain health and has also helped those with cirrhosis and HCC
I am also stage 4, the itching started about 1/2 years ago. Lower back, calves on legs, and gentials. Worst inching I ever had. Try hydroxyzine. 25 mg. Also was prescribed cholestyramine powder. They both have helped somewhat but I do get where I want to scratch like crazy.
Rick
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1 ReactionI’d love to go to mayo clinic but to far. When I was told I had autoimmune help was in a study for it at the Scottsdale az. Loved the place
Hello. I’m new here also was about 3 weeks ago I was told I have the HCC cancer. I’m going to the city of hope in Duarte ca. and upland ca. first surgeon told me no operation cause he didn’t think I would make it through the surgery cause I also have Copd chronic bronchitis also autoimmune hepatitis. So I just seen another doctor he suggested to do the ablation. Where they heat it up and kill it. It would probably be about month recovery I’ll be going for cat scans 4 x a year The dr said this HCC liver cancer is slow growing and common. He told me he couldn’t tell me how long I’ve had it. Now I have read up on this lol and I’m reading it’s an aggressive fast growing cancer and probable 5 years left to live. My dr says don’t believe everything u read. My dr made me feel 100 x so much better but I can’t get out of my mind what I’ve read. Can anyone give me some advise and what their going through with the HCC??? This is all new and I don’t even know what stage I’m in. Thank you for your time
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?
@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.
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1 ReactionMy 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.
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2 Reactions@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?