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itching in end stage liver disease

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Posted 2/15/2009 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
I was wondering if anyone might have a suggestion for the itching that is common during liver failure.
My brother has been diagnosed recently and is absolute misery from itching. He cannot soak in a tub because he has a badly infected leg. He scratches himself until he bleeds.
Posted 2/15/2009 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum Sad. When my husband suffered the terrible itching, his hepatologist prescribed Naltrexone 25mg. It helped some, but nothing he tried would give him complete relief. There are one or two more prescriptions available, but you will need to check with the hepatologist. If he has already been prescribed Lactulose, ensure he is taking it. The itching comes from bile (salts) and other toxins backing up in the bloodstream which irritate the c-cells in the skin. In other words, the itching comes from the inside.

In the meantime, trim his nails and try to keep him distracted.

Good luck to you and God bless.

Penny
Posted 2/15/2009 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
penny~
thanks. i assume since the itch is coming from the inside that calamine won't help?? i will inquire about the naltrexone.
Posted 2/15/2009 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
I really suffer from the liver itch.  My specialist has me on PMS-CHOLESTRAMINE twice daily.  I haven't really noticed an improvement.  However, I use Gold Bond medicated extra strength which seems to help.

Posted 2/15/2009 11:07 PM (GMT 0)

Hi, Donna, and welcome to the forum!  Would you care to start a new topic (just click on New Topic at the top or bottom of the page) and introduce yourself and tell us of your diagnosis?

I'm sure you will get a lot of support here, as well as help to others.

Posted 2/15/2009 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
Sad,

Now that Donna mentioned it, I have heard of some people getting relief with the Gold Bond. It's worth a try. The itching is miserable. Be careful about applying in on the places where he has already scratched himself raw.

Penny
Posted 2/16/2009 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Donna,

My husband's ankles itch and the only thing that gives him relief is "Aloe Vera" burn relief with Lidocaine yeah .

Judith

Posted 2/16/2009 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Judith and Penny for your replies. Yes, the Gold Bond Medicated Extra Strength seems to be the only solution for me. My back is the worst area. I tried Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Bath packets, but they didn't do very much. Not all drug stores seem to have the Gold Bond, but Rexall will order it in for you if you ask.

I am seeing my Hep Specialist on April 1st. Will let you know if he has some other suggestions.
Posted 2/17/2009 11:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi to all the new members, concerning the itching, PCwife is correct. It comes from the toxin buildup and affects the inner tissues and cells. The itching is very difficult to relieve as a result. The aloe vera with lidocaine helps because the lidocaine numbs the skin. That's why it works so well on sunburns. It is importtant for people to report the itching as well as any symptom that is new. There may not be much the Dr can do about it but he/she should be aware of it. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted 3/18/2009 12:28 PM (GMT 0)
We have found 'DermaCool' to be a huge relief to the itching.
Posted 3/23/2009 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
Bump.

Posted 4/1/2009 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
I have written in before regarding the itch problem.  I have a new family doctor who gave me Sinequan 10mg Doxepin [1-2 small caplets at bedtime] to try.  It works very well for me.  It is a mild anti depressant, but has something similar to Benedryl for itching.  I told my liver specialist about it today and he is going to recommend it for other patients.

I still use the Gold Bond occasionally, but this medication has made my problem a 100% better.  Hope this helps.

Donna

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