Liver disease itching: What helps?

Hi Crystal. I had terrible itching for about 2 years. I found that ice packs helped relieve the back itching. My wife purchased large ice packs on Amazon, and I would sleep on them with a towel between the ice-pack and my skin. Sarna helped somewhat. I preferred the “sensitive skin” version. Benadryl did not really help me much - but everyone is different, so you should definitely try it. Also my wife bought me plain white cotton gloves from Amazon, that I would wear at night to prevent myself from breaking my skin with the incessant itching. It was awful. But the first thing I noted post-liver transplant that my itching had disappeared. Hopefully you can find some relief.

Crystal, I am concerned for your quality of life with your uncontrolled itching. Has anything that you have tried given you at least a temporary relief?
I think you mentioned a possible stent - have you had any response from the doctor with regards to this? Is this still a potential treatment?

Oh, Crystal. I'm so sorry that you are still dealing with the chronic itching and that nothing seems to help.

I moved your message to this existing discussion about liver disease, transplant and itching where members have offered helpful tips and ideas.
- Liver disease itching: What helps? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/liver-disease-itching/

Crystal, I guess Sarna did help enough. I hope by reading through the previous posts you may discover some suggestions that you and your doctors haven't tried yet.

I am in agony!!! My doctor has me on several different meds but nothing has helped

How did your annual visit go?

Hi @crystalfaye
I am happy to hear the Sarna worked a little. If you are allowed, maybe try a dose of Benedryl (but be prepared for a nap if you take it).
I am doing well. Next week I go to Mayo for my annual visit and I will hear about the treatment for my positive BK virus blood test. It sounds like the answer is a reduction of immune suppression.

A little bit. I’m being sent for an MRI to rule out a stricture. Thank you so much for checking in! How are you doing?

Hi @crystalfaye 😊
I am just checking in! ....Did the Sarna help a little bit?

I purchased some Sarna today. Praying it helps!

Hi @crystalfaye 😊
Congrats on your new liver transplant! I am a two year post kidney transplant patient and I remember having itching for the first couple of months. (I had no itching pre-transplant but I needed a kidney not a liver.)
The itching was especially pronounced the first month when I was living in the rental close to the hospital. When I called my transplant nurse back then, she told me it was common and I could take some Benedryl to calm it down. I know you are a liver transplant patient and I am a kidney transplant patient, so I am not sure if we are on the same immune suppression meds, prophylactic meds, etc but it may be just the body adjusting to the new meds because the itching did go away. The Benedryl helped, but you would have to discuss this solution with your transplant nurse since I don't know if it's safe for a liver transplant patient.
Again Congratulations! ❤