Aa
ITCHING!
Has anyone else experienced insanely itchy skin? For about a year now, I have had extremely itchy skin, especially on the legs...arms, tummy...It is worse when there is temparature change, shower, or trying to go to sleep...now i have little white spots everywhere (lack of pigmentation)...i thought maybe this was a dermatology issue (fungus, ew..or whatever) i was biopsed and they found absolutely nothing...i have had hep c for about 10 years..first stage cirhosis..haven't drank for 3 months...someone please help!
Hi,
I am new to the forum, I have hep C and I had the same issue with itching.
By pure luck, I found out that if you replace meat for protein with vegetable protein the itching will go away.
It takes about a month to go away completely.
Good luck to you
I am new to the forum, I have hep C and I had the same issue with itching.
By pure luck, I found out that if you replace meat for protein with vegetable protein the itching will go away.
It takes about a month to go away completely.
Good luck to you
Hi,
I just read your profile and I feel compelled to tell you to find a new Doctor. Telling you to double dose your ribavirin in the morning???
I had insomnia too but I took my second dose at noon and when that didn't help I used sleep aids.
Do you know the condition of your liver? Were you undetected?
The condition you describe in your profile sounds life threatening and extremely serious. I agree that suing the Dr. is not something to be thinking about but I think finding a Liver specialist is definitely in order.
I itched intensely until I was undetected and aside from a slight itchy rash from the ribavirin that left about 3 months after treatment I haven't had any more problems. I used cortisone cream and ice packs but others will write with more on that.
I don't know if you are seeing a Hepatologist or gastroenterologist but unless you are lucky enough to have a pcp who has educated her/himself on HCV you are better off with a specialist.(Your current doc clearly missed the boat)
Good luck to you.
I just read your profile and I feel compelled to tell you to find a new Doctor. Telling you to double dose your ribavirin in the morning???
I had insomnia too but I took my second dose at noon and when that didn't help I used sleep aids.
Do you know the condition of your liver? Were you undetected?
The condition you describe in your profile sounds life threatening and extremely serious. I agree that suing the Dr. is not something to be thinking about but I think finding a Liver specialist is definitely in order.
I itched intensely until I was undetected and aside from a slight itchy rash from the ribavirin that left about 3 months after treatment I haven't had any more problems. I used cortisone cream and ice packs but others will write with more on that.
I don't know if you are seeing a Hepatologist or gastroenterologist but unless you are lucky enough to have a pcp who has educated her/himself on HCV you are better off with a specialist.(Your current doc clearly missed the boat)
Good luck to you.
I apologize for the late response but only just now found this thread.
I suffer from extreme itching in the lower legs as well. It seems to come in spurts, one month it will be terrible enough to prevent sleep and then nothing for three months. Changes in weather might affect it too, though I am not certain of that.
I am experimenting with many things. One solution that seems to help me get sleep is a brush and .1 percent hydrocortisone cream.
I purshased a medium-stiff nylon bristeld hair brush and attached a 2 foot length of PVC pipe to the handle with JB-Weld, a plastic glue. I soon discovered that "brushing" my skin dislodged a very fine white dust cloud from my skin. Then a close inspection of my skin I could see white outlines within the skin and seemingly surrounding cells and clumps of cells. I assume this is evidence of the bilirubin deposits. But I had a very nice Psychiatrist explain that his mother had the same problem and he believed the white powder was histamines gathering in her lower legs because of her bad circulation. I also have bad leg circulation - which is not related to my hep. So honestly I'm not sure what the white dust cloud is consisted of.
I usually brush the legs vigorously - not enough to scratch or irritate the skin though - and if the white dust cloud is present then I continue brushing until it stops. Relief does not come at that time though - the legs still itch. I suspect the white powder is still under the skin and surrounding the tiny nerve receptors that cause the itchy sensation. But the brush breaks it up a lot. Then I apply a hydrocortisone .1% cream that you can get over the counter at any pharmacy. Of course cortisone is a steroid, so I am currently experimenting with other creams and salves that might work to limit my exposure to steroids.
But up until now the hydrocortisone works the best. Usually 30 to 60 minutes after applying the brushing and cream the itching subsides. Of course on lighter nights the itching subsides by itself, so I don't use this method unless I find that I have been up at least half the night. It allows me to at least get a couple of hours sleep before work.
I am also experimenting with shampoos with salicyclic acid. The acid is supposed to help dandruff sufferers by loosing the fungus from the skin. So twice now I have applied the shampoo to my lower legs in the shower and let it stand for about 5 minutes before rinsing. My hope is the acid will loosen the white powder from my skin and help it to expoliate. I have only applied the shampoo twice this week with no noticeable improvement. But I don't know if this may require several treatments to become effective.
Alternatively I am using and antifungal foot cream, mostly used for athlet's foot fungus. This does seem to work somewhat with the brushing method, but does not seem to work as quickly as the hydrocortisone.
My Dermatologist suggested that HEP C patients are simply going to itch and he has acquired three light booths with some kind of special light to help the itching. He said many of his HEP C patients would use the booth, which I imagine looks something like a stand up tanning bed, and stand in the booth for 20 to 30 minutes 3 times a week. He said many of his patients report that after a 3 month treatment with the booth 3 times weekly they report no itching for 9 months to a year after. While sitting in his waiting room I saw several patients come in to ustilize the booths, so they are using it. My thing is that his office is 40 minutes from my home and the entire treatment consists of at least 36 doctor office visits which I can not even afford the co-pay on. What I think would be practical is if we could purchase those special bulbs for home... but I don't know what they are
I suffer from extreme itching in the lower legs as well. It seems to come in spurts, one month it will be terrible enough to prevent sleep and then nothing for three months. Changes in weather might affect it too, though I am not certain of that.
I am experimenting with many things. One solution that seems to help me get sleep is a brush and .1 percent hydrocortisone cream.
I purshased a medium-stiff nylon bristeld hair brush and attached a 2 foot length of PVC pipe to the handle with JB-Weld, a plastic glue. I soon discovered that "brushing" my skin dislodged a very fine white dust cloud from my skin. Then a close inspection of my skin I could see white outlines within the skin and seemingly surrounding cells and clumps of cells. I assume this is evidence of the bilirubin deposits. But I had a very nice Psychiatrist explain that his mother had the same problem and he believed the white powder was histamines gathering in her lower legs because of her bad circulation. I also have bad leg circulation - which is not related to my hep. So honestly I'm not sure what the white dust cloud is consisted of.
I usually brush the legs vigorously - not enough to scratch or irritate the skin though - and if the white dust cloud is present then I continue brushing until it stops. Relief does not come at that time though - the legs still itch. I suspect the white powder is still under the skin and surrounding the tiny nerve receptors that cause the itchy sensation. But the brush breaks it up a lot. Then I apply a hydrocortisone .1% cream that you can get over the counter at any pharmacy. Of course cortisone is a steroid, so I am currently experimenting with other creams and salves that might work to limit my exposure to steroids.
But up until now the hydrocortisone works the best. Usually 30 to 60 minutes after applying the brushing and cream the itching subsides. Of course on lighter nights the itching subsides by itself, so I don't use this method unless I find that I have been up at least half the night. It allows me to at least get a couple of hours sleep before work.
I am also experimenting with shampoos with salicyclic acid. The acid is supposed to help dandruff sufferers by loosing the fungus from the skin. So twice now I have applied the shampoo to my lower legs in the shower and let it stand for about 5 minutes before rinsing. My hope is the acid will loosen the white powder from my skin and help it to expoliate. I have only applied the shampoo twice this week with no noticeable improvement. But I don't know if this may require several treatments to become effective.
Alternatively I am using and antifungal foot cream, mostly used for athlet's foot fungus. This does seem to work somewhat with the brushing method, but does not seem to work as quickly as the hydrocortisone.
My Dermatologist suggested that HEP C patients are simply going to itch and he has acquired three light booths with some kind of special light to help the itching. He said many of his HEP C patients would use the booth, which I imagine looks something like a stand up tanning bed, and stand in the booth for 20 to 30 minutes 3 times a week. He said many of his patients report that after a 3 month treatment with the booth 3 times weekly they report no itching for 9 months to a year after. While sitting in his waiting room I saw several patients come in to ustilize the booths, so they are using it. My thing is that his office is 40 minutes from my home and the entire treatment consists of at least 36 doctor office visits which I can not even afford the co-pay on. What I think would be practical is if we could purchase those special bulbs for home... but I don't know what they are
yeah the itching was so severe I thought I was being eaten alive by bugs. Dermatologist gave me minocycline(apparently many with hep c are allergic) and had to be hospitalized. Thank god for that allergy dispite it almost killed me. Doctors then had to search further since I was very sick. The itching was caused by elevated billirubin levels. and yes it has something to do with the bile and the liver not filtering properly and the billirubin stays in the blood stream. apparrently bile acid salts are then under the skin causing the itching. Cholestyramine helped. It binds with the billirubin to eliminate it. The itching stopped for a while. It is now less intense but since my GI doc states my billirubin is normal now the itching can not be caused from the liver. Go figure. I don't have a new itching disease
you are the first person i found, in a year, with the little white spots. it is good to know i'm not alone! thanks. can you tell me anything about it? does it go away...itching or spots? what is it from?
That was my hidden guess! I smoked for years but it was called weed & maryjane. Either I am too old to know the "ganga" name or I was too stoned to hear "ganga". PS is very interesting! Lots of love to you all! jenn.
Quick funny story.
My sis in chemo lab, admits to smoking pot, nurse repeats loudly. NO exaggeration... SEVERAL eldely chemo patients started asking her where they could get it, could she get them some, they've heard it helps so much!
(decided against it, too many legalities :}
LL
My sis in chemo lab, admits to smoking pot, nurse repeats loudly. NO exaggeration... SEVERAL eldely chemo patients started asking her where they could get it, could she get them some, they've heard it helps so much!
(decided against it, too many legalities :}
LL
"What is "ganga"? Jenn"
" I love that GrandmaBRZ doesn't know what hippygem is refering to when she says ganja, hehe"
LOL! LOL! LMAO!
Legal or not...it helps, than get it! I don't know too many Judges that would burn a person for using for chemo/illness! ( and NO, this does not mean 'crops' guys! )
And I don't smoke anymore, for years, but my sis on chemo, I get it for her anytime!
That was cute :} LL
" I love that GrandmaBRZ doesn't know what hippygem is refering to when she says ganja, hehe"
LOL! LOL! LMAO!
Legal or not...it helps, than get it! I don't know too many Judges that would burn a person for using for chemo/illness! ( and NO, this does not mean 'crops' guys! )
And I don't smoke anymore, for years, but my sis on chemo, I get it for her anytime!
That was cute :} LL
I have the white spots all over. The itchy dry skin got particularly bad during tx. I found the only cream (otc) that worked for me was Gold Bond Healing Moisturizer. It really made a difference (better if not gone), and all the other stuff i'd used did actually nothing. Worth a shot anyway.
I love that GrandmaBRZ doesn't know what hippygem is refering to when she says ganja, hehe. Anywhoo, it's marijuana, but we don't have any legalized here in TX like they do in more civilized parts of the world.
I love that GrandmaBRZ doesn't know what hippygem is refering to when she says ganja, hehe. Anywhoo, it's marijuana, but we don't have any legalized here in TX like they do in more civilized parts of the world.
Hi, the itching is to do with bile, as you have said you have 1st stage cirrhosis this would be the reason. People with liver diseases experience itching that is caused by the deposit of bile products in the skin when the liver is damaged and cannot function properly to remove them.
For some with this problem they smoke ganja which alleviates the itch.
You should go and see your doctor/hepatologist.
http://www.hepcaustralia.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=124&Itemid=82
For some with this problem they smoke ganja which alleviates the itch.
You should go and see your doctor/hepatologist.
http://www.hepcaustralia.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=124&Itemid=82
I had itching the first go around and went to a dermatologist. She gave me some atterax
and something else. This time I have had some itching also, The dr. called me in some atterax. Can't spell. lol but it does help.
Live, love, Laugh
HondaPatches
and something else. This time I have had some itching also, The dr. called me in some atterax. Can't spell. lol but it does help.
Live, love, Laugh
HondaPatches
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