Scientists have yet to identify a single substance responsible for itching in liver disease
Suffering from constant itching on your hands and feet? Well, apart from dryness, it can also be a sign of chronic liver disease. According to experts, itching also known as pruritus, is one symptom of liver damage, even though not everyone would have it.
Dr. Eric Berg, a US-based nutritionist, says bile salts cause uncomfortable sensations, leading to itching. “Persistent itching in your hands and feet, especially at night, could point to more than just dry skin. When bile salts back up into your tissues, it causes this uncomfortable sensation. This often happens when liver function is compromised, leading to a buildup of substances that should have been processed,” Dr. Berg said on his Instagram channel.
A little itch now and then is no cause for concern. But continual itching interferes with sleep and leads to a host of other problems. When that happens, it becomes a serious health concern.
What causes itching in liver diseases?
Experts say itching, associated with liver disease, can become worse in the evening and at night. For many people, itching happens on their limbs, the soles of their feet, or the palms of their hands, while others experience an all-over itch.
Itching linked to liver disease doesn’t generally involve rash or skin lesions. However, you can develop visible irritation, skin discolouration, and infection due to excessive scratching. Pruritus, a rare condition in alcohol-related liver diseases and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases, is most associated with:
- Primary biliary cirrhosis
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Scientists have yet to identify a single substance responsible for itching in liver disease. It may be that it’s caused by a combination of factors, which include:
Bile salts
If you have any liver disease, you may have higher levels of bile salt accumulating under the skin, which may cause itching. Not everyone with high levels of bile salts feels itchy, and some people feel itchy despite a typical bile salt level.
Histamines
A lot of those suffering from pruritus have raised histamine levels. Doctors say antihistamines are usually not effective in treating it, though.
Serotonin
Serotonin may alter itchy perception.
Pregnancy
Doctors say itching can sometimes get worse during pregnancy or if you are undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
Serum alkaline phosphatase
Those who have itch-related liver disease have elevated ALP.
Ways to stop itching
Itching, caused by liver disease probably cannot improve on its own, but it can be treated. Because the causes are not totally understood, it becomes hard to find out which treatment is good and takes a combination of therapies.
Do not scratch
It is important to avoid scratching whenever you feel the itch because it breaks the skin and causes infection. If you feel a lot of urge to scratch at night, you must wear gloves to bed.
Other ways to prevent skin irritation and ease itching include:
- Use warm or cool water rather than hot water for showers and baths
- Try not to spend too much time in hot environments or in the sun
- Choose mild soaps that don’tcontain added fragrances
- Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers to combat dryness
- Apply a cold, wet cloth to the itchy area until the urge to scratch eases up Avoid substances or materials that irritate your skin.
- Wear gloves when using harsh products
- Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing
- Use a humidifier during the dry winter months
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