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What Causes Itching Throughout The Body?
Question: I have had constant overall itching of my body. It awakes me nightly. Tried Benydryl cream. I have liver disease and also I have been on an insulin pump.
Brief Answer:
probably from the liver disease
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for your question.
It is very common for patients with liver disease to have itching. This often has to do with blockage of bile flow and a build up of bile in the bloodstream. This is caused cholestatsis (meaning no or slowed bile flow).
If the cholestasis cannot be corrected (depends upon the type of liver disease that you have) then the only option to cut down on the itching is to use medications.
Antihistamines sometimes work and if not the medication doxepin will often be helpful.
It is an antidepressant but often very low doses of doxepin will help decrease the itching in many patients.
I hope you get some relief soon,
Dr. Robinson
probably from the liver disease
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for your question.
It is very common for patients with liver disease to have itching. This often has to do with blockage of bile flow and a build up of bile in the bloodstream. This is caused cholestatsis (meaning no or slowed bile flow).
If the cholestasis cannot be corrected (depends upon the type of liver disease that you have) then the only option to cut down on the itching is to use medications.
Antihistamines sometimes work and if not the medication doxepin will often be helpful.
It is an antidepressant but often very low doses of doxepin will help decrease the itching in many patients.
I hope you get some relief soon,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX I have XXXXXXX and more specifically, cirrhosis. My MELD score is 10. So I will follow-up with my doctor. Due to bouts of encephalopathy I do not drive. So I appreciate your advice.
Brief Answer:
best to you
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for this follow up. Small doses of doxepin may really help with your itching.
I hope you get relief soon
Dr. Robinson
best to you
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for this follow up. Small doses of doxepin may really help with your itching.
I hope you get relief soon
Dr. Robinson
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
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