Itching

Itching is a symptom of liver disease. You might itch anywhere on your body, but it’s most common on the arms and legs, or the palms of your hands or soles of your feet. Some people itch all over. Itching in liver disease can vary from mild to exhausting.

If your itching is caused by a liver problem, there won’t be a skin rash or an insect bite. But constant scratching can damage the skin.

Bạn đang xem: Itching

The more severe the disease, the worse the itching gets. You might notice it’s worse in heat, including a hot bath, at night, or when you wear certain clothes.

The medical word for itching is pruritus.

Why you get itching

Xem thêm : Introducción

The cause of the itching depends on what liver disease you have. Itching is most common in people with (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis, or liver problems connected with pregnancy.

The exact cause of itching in liver disease is not fully understood. It is thought to be due to a number of factors. The build-up of bile salts in the blood stream irritates the nerves in the skin, leading to the sensation of itching. Other chemicals in the blood can be altered if your liver isn’t working properly, such as histamine, serotonin, female sex hormones and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and may contribute to itching. Dryness of the skin may make the itching worse.

Tips for managing itching

The most important thing is to try not to scratch. Cover the itchy place with clothes or wear gloves, and keep your nails short so you don’t break the skin.

You can also try:

• Warm or cool water rather than hot water in the bath or shower
• Mild, fragrance-free soap and moisturiser
• Putting a cold wet, cold cloth over the itchy area
• Wearing loose fitting cotton clothes
• Avoiding getting overheated

Xem thêm : Spoiled Milk by Jess K. ’10

You can talk to your pharmacist about creams that might help, such as aqueous creams or corticosteroids.

If the itching is really bothering you, your doctor can give you medicine to help.

When to see your doctor

Don’t worry if you have the occasional itch. But if the itching is interfering with your sleep or daily life, it’s important to see a doctor as they can treat it.

Reviewed September 2024

Nguồn: https://buycookiesonline.eu
Danh mục: Info