Liver disease itching: What helps?

Posted by jeanne5009 @jeanne5009, Nov 26, 2018

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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@caro72

It’s cirrhosis and where I am from we don’t have the best of specialist so I am asking to go where there is a better chance of getting my questions answered and talk about transplant for in the future I have been off work for a bit now for other reasons I want to go back to work but need for my job to understand I don’t always feel well need to limit my stress need to take care of my diabetes.... also my itchy ness is mostly evenings and nights is that normal ??

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@caro72 Please, don't despair. As I said, even if it has progressed to cirrhosis I have heard of many cases where people have been able to keep it manageable with diet. Of course, that would be dependent on how far along the cirrhosis is.
You need to find a hepatologist, preferably one at a good transplant center. They will help you manage the cirrhosis, and when you have reached a certain point will have you tested to be a candidate on the transplant list.
This is a great site for finding transplant centers, anywhere. I hope there is at least one close enough for you to be able to go there. I am in NH and there are no liver transplant centers up here but there are four adult transplant centers in MA so I chose Massachusetts General Hospital and was very happy with my choice:

https://www.srtr.org/transplant-centers/?organ=liver&recipientType=adult&query=

The best way to find a center close to you if you are close to other states, is to put in your zip code and the distance from that zip code where you like results. If you google liver transplant centers, there are many results that can help you find the right place to seek medical care.
JK

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@rosemarya

@caro72
Carol, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am happy that you have found this group where patients are sharing their own experiences. I assure you that you are not alone in your opinion of "not being happy" about your diagnosis. When I received my own diagnosis, I was confused and frightened, and felt helpless. Fortunately, I had a terrific doctor who referred me to a gastroenterologist (GI) nearby who monitored my condition. He monitored me for 8 years until he referred me to transplant department. Are you within driving distance of a larger medical center where you can get in to see a GI?
I was just over 50 when I got my diagnosis. I did not have NASH, but I am aware that all of us with a liver disease diagnosis share many common symptoms.
When I developed itching, I found some relief by using the lotion Sarna. Another temporary relief ws provided by warm bath using one of the Aveeno products for that purpose. That was 10 years ago, I don't know what is on the market today. I was also approved to take minimal doses of antihistimines.

I want to share the following information that has been collected for NASH Patients: Blog Round-Up - You will be able to participate in any of the conversation there, too.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/transplant/newsfeed/nash-patients-blog-round-up/

I do not have diabetes, and I have no experience to share about that.
How did you learn that you had NASH? If you are comfortable to share, I would be interested in what kind of a study you will be involved in. Is there a GI involved with that study?
I am looking forward to hearing from you.

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Yes I do have a gastroenterologist but he is not really paying much attention to my symptoms and to how I feel with this sickness he can’t even tell me what diet I should be on, tells me I don’t have pain in my rt upper quadrant and such I am not at the point for liver transplant for now since it’s compensated Nash for now I am not a last minute person and I am a nurse so it’s hard for me since I know somewhat what this is .... I am about 4 hours from a transplant centre and hopefully this research will help it’s Obeticholic acid double blinded study it’s for 2 years first year some will be on the med and some on a placebo they will collect data from blood work for a year then everyone in the study will take the med for the second year in our area they said I was the youngest on the trial ...

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@caro72

Yes I do have a gastroenterologist but he is not really paying much attention to my symptoms and to how I feel with this sickness he can’t even tell me what diet I should be on, tells me I don’t have pain in my rt upper quadrant and such I am not at the point for liver transplant for now since it’s compensated Nash for now I am not a last minute person and I am a nurse so it’s hard for me since I know somewhat what this is .... I am about 4 hours from a transplant centre and hopefully this research will help it’s Obeticholic acid double blinded study it’s for 2 years first year some will be on the med and some on a placebo they will collect data from blood work for a year then everyone in the study will take the med for the second year in our area they said I was the youngest on the trial ...

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@caro72, My experience is that you probably do not need a transplant center now. And maybe you never will. Would you consider finding a different GI?
It sounds interesting to be part of a research study. Do you mind me asking how you got involved in it? There must be some connection to a reliable research team connected with NASH/liver disease who will be available to you? How will you be monitored for your liver health during this 2 year interval?

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@caro72

It’s cirrhosis and where I am from we don’t have the best of specialist so I am asking to go where there is a better chance of getting my questions answered and talk about transplant for in the future I have been off work for a bit now for other reasons I want to go back to work but need for my job to understand I don’t always feel well need to limit my stress need to take care of my diabetes.... also my itchy ness is mostly evenings and nights is that normal ??

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Caro72
Hi Miss itchy!
I have had Stage 4 cirrhosis for 3 years. Like
You, I got the itchies. I went to my regular PcP, 2 dermatologists and did a ton of research. They diiagnosed Ecxema which I believe is due to my poor auto immune system. I scrathed myself silly at night. Steroid creams helped a little but I used different products on different days. I tried everything Aveeno.shampoo, body wash and their anti itch cream worked pretty well. Then ther was Lidiocane RX ,Triamcunolone RX..best one, Doxi gaba cream, Elidel. And apple cider vi negar on my hair and in a tub.
None of that stuff cured it...it had to leave in its own sweet time...about 3 mo.The doc gave me hydoxcine to help me sleep.
So sorry you got this happy side effect. Always check with your doc before you do anything because we all are different.
Good Luck
PS Get to the best hepatologist you can find ASAP. It takes time to get appts.
Keep your PCP if he knows anything about cirrhosis. It is importanr to get one that knows about it and is willing to work with your hepatologist.
I have a great one who had a patient who had a transplant and is doing fine. I have an excellent hepatologist who is head of the transplant team in Tampa...45 min away. I also have been evaluated at Mayo in Jacksonville. Just cant tell you enough good things about them. I am too early but have developed a heart issue that could change that. So now I am trying to get a cardiologisr appt. At Mayo or Temple General. Thank God I have good insurace!,

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@rosemarya

@caro72, My experience is that you probably do not need a transplant center now. And maybe you never will. Would you consider finding a different GI?
It sounds interesting to be part of a research study. Do you mind me asking how you got involved in it? There must be some connection to a reliable research team connected with NASH/liver disease who will be available to you? How will you be monitored for your liver health during this 2 year interval?

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I am from canada and I was complaining of pain since my gallbladder was removed in 2016 bloodwork after blood work my liver enzymes were always high had a mri done finally got a liver biopsy this past January got my results February 12 a month and one day after my dear dad passed away so I will have monthly bloodwork that takes part for the research then another liver biopsy in a year and it’s through intercept pharmaceuticals in San Diego this med is used for another liver disease and trial for compensated cirrhosis due to non alcoholic steatohepatitis

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@caro72

Yes I do have a gastroenterologist but he is not really paying much attention to my symptoms and to how I feel with this sickness he can’t even tell me what diet I should be on, tells me I don’t have pain in my rt upper quadrant and such I am not at the point for liver transplant for now since it’s compensated Nash for now I am not a last minute person and I am a nurse so it’s hard for me since I know somewhat what this is .... I am about 4 hours from a transplant centre and hopefully this research will help it’s Obeticholic acid double blinded study it’s for 2 years first year some will be on the med and some on a placebo they will collect data from blood work for a year then everyone in the study will take the med for the second year in our area they said I was the youngest on the trial ...

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@caro72 I never had pain anywhere in my body when I had NASH cirrhosis. I did have declining platelet count, shaky hands, and a host of other symptoms that I never would have related to cirrhosis, but they were.
Do you know what your MELD score is?
JK

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@contentandwell

@caro72 I never had pain anywhere in my body when I had NASH cirrhosis. I did have declining platelet count, shaky hands, and a host of other symptoms that I never would have related to cirrhosis, but they were.
Do you know what your MELD score is?
JK

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Sorry I have no idea about meld score all I was told was that I have compensated liver cirrhosis probably due to type 2 diabetes my wt is 126 pounds the doc wants me to lose another 15 pounds .... but yes I have rt upper quadrant pain and as the day progresses it feels swollen and hard maybe it has no relation who knows

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@caro72

I am from canada and I was complaining of pain since my gallbladder was removed in 2016 bloodwork after blood work my liver enzymes were always high had a mri done finally got a liver biopsy this past January got my results February 12 a month and one day after my dear dad passed away so I will have monthly bloodwork that takes part for the research then another liver biopsy in a year and it’s through intercept pharmaceuticals in San Diego this med is used for another liver disease and trial for compensated cirrhosis due to non alcoholic steatohepatitis

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@caro72 hi there. I also am from Canada - London Ontario. I had a liver transplant Nov 28 2018. Where are you from? Which hospital are you referred to?
I would be asking my doctor a lot of questions. Are you seeing a hepatologist? Has a transplant been mentioned or alternative medication been prescribed? Until you know your MELD score and have been referred to a specialist you will not be placed on a transplant wait list (if needed). If they are taking blood monthly ask what they are testing for. Just a few suggestions. Research and the good people on this site will help with any questions you have based on their experiences. We are all here to help.

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@jeanne5009

Caro72
Hi Miss itchy!
I have had Stage 4 cirrhosis for 3 years. Like
You, I got the itchies. I went to my regular PcP, 2 dermatologists and did a ton of research. They diiagnosed Ecxema which I believe is due to my poor auto immune system. I scrathed myself silly at night. Steroid creams helped a little but I used different products on different days. I tried everything Aveeno.shampoo, body wash and their anti itch cream worked pretty well. Then ther was Lidiocane RX ,Triamcunolone RX..best one, Doxi gaba cream, Elidel. And apple cider vi negar on my hair and in a tub.
None of that stuff cured it...it had to leave in its own sweet time...about 3 mo.The doc gave me hydoxcine to help me sleep.
So sorry you got this happy side effect. Always check with your doc before you do anything because we all are different.
Good Luck
PS Get to the best hepatologist you can find ASAP. It takes time to get appts.
Keep your PCP if he knows anything about cirrhosis. It is importanr to get one that knows about it and is willing to work with your hepatologist.
I have a great one who had a patient who had a transplant and is doing fine. I have an excellent hepatologist who is head of the transplant team in Tampa...45 min away. I also have been evaluated at Mayo in Jacksonville. Just cant tell you enough good things about them. I am too early but have developed a heart issue that could change that. So now I am trying to get a cardiologisr appt. At Mayo or Temple General. Thank God I have good insurace!,

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@jeanne5009 the only thing that cured my itching was the actual transplant. It was a long 16 months but it's mostly gone now.

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@caro72

Sorry I have no idea about meld score all I was told was that I have compensated liver cirrhosis probably due to type 2 diabetes my wt is 126 pounds the doc wants me to lose another 15 pounds .... but yes I have rt upper quadrant pain and as the day progresses it feels swollen and hard maybe it has no relation who knows

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@caro72 one thing I learned about cirrhosis is that there are many symptoms and I doubt anyone has all of them. If you have right upper quadrant pain, that probably is your liver. Has your doctor indicated it is or is not?

Your weight is not very high, I’m surprised your doctor wants you to lose weight. Do you know your BMI?

I was not pushed to lose weight even though I was overweight, but I did lose it because I felt it would make my recovery easier. I used MyFitnessPal to track my food and an activity tracker to help keep me motivated to exercise.
JK

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