Pruritis

[johnbay]

Anyone suffering from pruritis?  Does Harvoni cure it?

[virt111]

I'd like to add that chronic kidney disease can present with Pruritis as well.

Since HCV can affect the kidneys, it may be wise to ask your doctor to throw in some kidney related blood work and a urinalysis.

Like HCV, kidney disease can be quite insidious and not show any outward symptoms until it's in a fairly advanced stage. I know this from personal experience...

[hrsepwrguy]

"as far as I know hepatitis c does not cause pruritus."

Pruritus is one of the most common symptoms reported by people with
hepatitis C (20%), but is more commonly found in people with advanced
liver disease and cirrhosis

http://hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/pruritus.pdf

[flyinlynn]

Depends what is causing  your pruritus.

Harvoni cures Hepatitis c for many but as far as I know hepatitis c does not cause pruritus.

Liver disease like cirrhosis can cause pruritus but Harvoni does not cure cirrhosis or advanced liver disease.

However if you do cure Hepatitic and have liver disease your liver may improve over time without the virus to cause further injury to your liver.

If liver disease is the cause of your itching and you cure hep c you may have a reduction in symptoms of liver disease like your itching.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/itchy-skin/basics/causes/con-20028460

Itchy skin (pruritus)

Causes
By Mayo Clinic Staff

Possible causes of itchy skin include:

    Dry skin. If you don't see a crop of bright, red bumps or some other dramatic change in the itchy area, dry skin (xerosis) is a likely cause. Dry skin usually results from environmental factors such as hot or cold weather with low humidity, long-term use of air conditioning or central heating, and washing or bathing too much.

    Skin conditions and rashes. Many skin conditions itch, including eczema (dermatitis), psoriasis, scabies, lice, chickenpox and hives. The itching usually affects specific areas and is accompanied by other signs, such as red, irritated skin or bumps and blisters.

    Internal diseases. These include liver disease, malabsorption of wheat (celiac disease), kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid problems and cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma. The itching usually affects the whole body. The skin may look otherwise normal except for the repeatedly scratched areas.

    Nerve disorders. Conditions that affect the nervous system — such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, pinched nerves and shingles (herpes zoster) — can cause itching.

    Irritation and allergic reactions. Wool, chemicals, soaps and other substances can irritate the skin and cause itching. Sometimes the substance, such as poison ivy or cosmetics, causes an allergic reaction. Food allergies also may cause skin to itch.

    Drugs. Reactions to drugs, such as antibiotics, antifungal drugs or narcotic pain medications, can cause widespread rashes and itching.
    Pregnancy. During pregnancy, some women experience itchy skin, especially on the abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms. Also, itchy skin conditions, such as dermatitis, can worsen during pregnancy