Liver disease itching: What helps?

Hi Rosemary, yes I was diagnosed with PSC in 2017. I began itching at least a year prior. It has been my biggest battle. I have been on Ursodiol since diagnosis. Also, I have tried every drug known to help the itching. Diet too, but I am always looking for advice. Thank you.

I'm kinda late to the conversation but I had itching for about a year and went to every kind of doctor that would listen. I got all kinds of treatment plans which none worked. One day I was scouring the pharmacy over the counter products and found a spray on Benadryl. It was amazing. It can be a bit sticky if you put too much on but a dusting of corn starch baby powder fixes that. It is the only thing that worked. I keep in around all the time now. Worth a try....

I use a strong anti-dandruff shampoo called Selsun Gold every other day, not every day. I also have started using a dedicated facial cleanser for inflammation and blemishes as well La Posay balm/cream moisturiser. My issue is Seborrheic Dermatitis as I have had a lung transplant and have to take immuno-suppressants.

This helped me the most. I'll send up some 🙏🏻 for ya too. I know what you're going through.

Hi, @mgabby17 , and Welcome to Mayo Connect. Many thanks to you for sharing a treatment that has helped you with your debilitating itching. I suffered with itching for a period of time prior to my transplant when my liver developed cirrhosis due to my liver diseas. I know that you are fortunate to have some relief.
@mgabby17, Are you, by any chance a liverpatient? It doesn't matter, I'm just curious because I will try to to lcommect you with other liver patients if you are. Otherwise, please feel free to participate in any conversation that is of interest to you. or where you can offer support to others as you have done here.
Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Clonidine was prescribed for something else and completely took away my debilitating itching. Unfortunately, had to stop it for other reasons. Hope this helps someone.

@sherry01, Welcome to the conversation. I am a transplant recipient and I remember how confused I was during my pretransplant time when I was very ill, and found everything to be overwhelming and worrisome. I see that you are on the transplant list, is that correct?
You are absolutely correct to be taking your issues to the transplant team! When you talk to them, I encourage you to take someone with you because an extra set of ears and an extra voice will be most helpful so that you have someone to support you when you leave the doctor's office. Also I recommend that you make a list of your concerns...you could use the note that you wrote here an your reference. These are the things that the doctor needs to hear (from you) because our labs don't tell how we fwwl or what we are experiencing after we return home - our voices are the only way that they will know what's going on because we all react to medications differently. They will want to find ways to keep you as healthy as possible so that you can advance to the transplant.
Other members have discussed their experiences with lactulose. I want to share this support group with you. It is long, veers on and off topic, and includes some helpful ideas.
- Lactulose question
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lactalose-question/
I did not have cancer, and I did not take lactulose, so no experience to share. But I did have liver failure and kidney failure that resulted in a double tranlant in 2009. And I know that we must continue to take medicines, even if we are feeling like we don't need them.

I hope that you will talk to the doctors real soon, especially with the way the lactulose is affecting you. I wonder of there is an alternative medication. Do you have an upcoming appointment? I look forward to hearing what you fine out.

Hi I’m brand new here. I ran across this in a search on medicines I’ve been prescribed ! RIFAXMIN AND URSIDIOL
I am not sure I need these yet . I had HCC - they ablated the liver where I had the growth and after 6 week checkup - I’m well and my meld is an 8 and my blood work looks real good. But because I sd I am a bit forgetful and sometimes I forget words they prescribed me this medication with lactulose- they want me to “go” 5 times a day ??? I had gastric sleeve 4 yrs ago . Ain’t no way I’m “going”five times . And they gave these antibiotics. I don’t think I need them yet. I am not swollen or anything my liver doesn’t hurt . I don’t want to take medication. That lactulose is GROSS! I may vomit 5 times taking it ! Anyway I am going to call them . I think I’m forgetful and just move to fast due to adhd and other mental disorders that make me a bit “ dingy” but not due to liver . I’ve seen people who were that sick . Idk but I’m going to talk again to my drs. What is the opinion here guys? Thank you for letting me join. Also I’m on the transplant list - because I have had the cancer HCC.

Me, too! Soaking in the oatmeal bath brought temporary relief. I also found the anti-itch lotion Sarna (not a paid advertisement) to be helpful.

Good morning
I found that oatmeal baths helped. I used Aveeno, ( not a paid advertisement). Also calamine location helped.