I'm scared for my father (liver disease?)

My mom had just told me my dad has been really itchy around the arms, and we've known that he's had trouble with his liver before. We're all worried for him as he's only 50, we don't want to lose him and we also don't have health insurance. What are some other signs to look for in liver disease? Please help, could the itching just be anything? Thank you.

[Spaceystac]

The number 1 sign of liver disease if yellowing of the whites of the eyes and the skin.  

    He could be inching from and allergy to something, has their been any change in laundry soap lately?

       Check for the yellowing on your father, if he has any signs of that just take him to the hospital. They have charity programs that can help, or if he needs if asap there is emergency medical coverege through most state welfare agencies.

But, for preventative measures try wikipedia searching the topic, there is alot of great resources on the internet:  

It is widely believed that alcohol-induced liver damage occurs via generation of oxidants. Thus alternative health care practitioners routinely recommend natural antioxidant supplements like milk thistle. Unfortunately, there is no valid clinical data to show that milk thistle truly works.[clarification needed] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcoholic_liver_disease

not sure if his damage was alcohol induced of not but apparently antioxidants could be beneficial to liver function and repair.  Hope this helps, and good luck to you and your family.   Stacey

[KjFlicka]

Itching can absolutely be a sign of liver problems. I had severe itching for about a month which was related to my cirrhosis and bile duct blockage from the cirrhosis. It is a very common side effect and a very maddening one.