Managing the itching associated with fatty liver disease
These strategies have helped to decrease my scratching and skin shedding
One thing I used to look forward to every spring was the end of my dry skin — a result of winter’s harsh rebuke of all things dermal. It meant not having to smear myself with thick lotions and creams again until the last leaf fell at autumn’s end. But now my skin is living in its own private Nordic world all year long, thanks to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a form of fatty liver disease.
Before my diagnosis, I noticed that while winters weren’t getting any longer, the number of days that my skin was constantly itching seemed to be increasing. I didn’t realize itching was a symptom of my liver disease until I was hospitalized for a small bleed in my esophagus.
During that stay, I was scratching myself like a flea-bitten kitten when my nurse walked in with my meds one afternoon. She said she could get me some lotion that was good for all types of skin irritation, but that she’d also put a note in my chart and let my doctors know. I was excited about the lotion, but, like many others I’ve used in the years since, it turned out not to be the cure I was seeking. Relief was temporary at best. I had to find something better.
Finding ways to scratch the itch
Flakes of skin were everywhere in my house, but I didn’t realize that I was the major contributor. Also, it was convenient to blame one (or both) of my cats when I had company over and noticed I’d missed a spot when dusting. Deep down, though, I knew I had to search for better ways to manage my issue.
After some trial and error, I started using a dry brush before each shower to slough away the excess flakes. Afterward, I’d use petroleum jelly or an acidified lotion to protect my skin and prevent excess flakes from dancing in the air whenever I changed my clothes.
Some people have way more sensitive skin than others, so if you also struggle with itching from liver disease, I strongly recommend chatting with your doctor about solutions. Even with a serious condition like MASH, doctors can overlook symptoms that aren’t brought to their attention. Unless you’re covered in enormous flakes of skin or have red lines all over your arms and back from itching, a provider may not realize you’re dealing with this issue.
I’ve invested not only in lotions and special soaps, but also in a simple back scratcher. I’ve never appreciated a gift more than when a friend brought me one during one of my many hospital stays. She said she’d felt sheepish about such a gift, but remembered that when her grandmother was in the hospital, it was all she wanted, since her husband couldn’t be with her.
I often remind my friend of how much I continue to appreciate her gift. I even give back scratchers to friends for birthdays and holidays now because I’ve yet to hear one person complain. Most of the time they squeal with joy and tell me that they’ve wanted the tool but never got around to buying it. It may not be glamorous, but it’s practical.
It feels good to no longer have to wear sweaters that feel like they’re made of dry pine needles or other types of “skin kryptonite” clothing. Now that spring is here, I can finally slip into lighter fabrics that don’t rub me the wrong way or grate my skin as if it were cheese, leaving me in my own dust. I’m a lady and not a lizard, after all.
Note: Liver Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Liver Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to liver disease.
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