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What Causes Itching When Suffering From Cirrhosis?
Question: with cirrhosis, i have intense skin itching as well as lots of blood under the skin. it appears as red dots of blood. why?
Brief Answer:
Possibly itching scratching or Vit K deficiency.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Looking at the clinical history and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. In cirrhosis itching can be present due to obstruction and increased bile salts deposition in skin. This bile salt deposition is responsible for itching. You need to get bilirubin and bile salts level estimation.
2. Vit K deficiency is seen in liver diseases. It is one of the important vitamin responsible for coagulation. Deficiency can cause bleeding. You might be appreciating this as blood under the skin.
3. Excess itching and scratching can damage skin leading to red dots of blood. So, it is important to know, whether the blood under skin has started after scratching for itching or in other areas.
4. Additionally to avoid dry skin, avoid frequent bathing, strong soaps, good hydration, avoid tight clothes, and importantly dont scratch. Scratching results in injuries and also releases more chemicals at the spot, resulting in more itching. Try to press on it or apply ice.
Continue the medication and try the above. If you are not still sure, try to send a clear image of blood under skin.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Possibly itching scratching or Vit K deficiency.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Looking at the clinical history and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. In cirrhosis itching can be present due to obstruction and increased bile salts deposition in skin. This bile salt deposition is responsible for itching. You need to get bilirubin and bile salts level estimation.
2. Vit K deficiency is seen in liver diseases. It is one of the important vitamin responsible for coagulation. Deficiency can cause bleeding. You might be appreciating this as blood under the skin.
3. Excess itching and scratching can damage skin leading to red dots of blood. So, it is important to know, whether the blood under skin has started after scratching for itching or in other areas.
4. Additionally to avoid dry skin, avoid frequent bathing, strong soaps, good hydration, avoid tight clothes, and importantly dont scratch. Scratching results in injuries and also releases more chemicals at the spot, resulting in more itching. Try to press on it or apply ice.
Continue the medication and try the above. If you are not still sure, try to send a clear image of blood under skin.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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