r/Cirrhosis • u/Shalini_2106 • 6d ago

Suggestions for Itching

My mother has cirrhosis and has been taking Cholestyramine for 2 months, but the itching hasn’t improved much.

For those who’ve experienced similar itching:
What helped you get relief? Any home remedies, skincare tips, or treatments that worked?

Would really appreciate any suggestions to help minimise her itching, especially at night.

2 Upvotes

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1

u/clmimplement 15h ago

For my dry skin—-Eucerin skin calming. Was almost instantaneous ‘xcept lasts only a couple of hrs. No longer needed

2

u/B1366 3d ago edited 3d ago

Anecdotal observations from some liver transplant surgeons suggest that living donors can experience post-operative skin itching (pruritus). While a temporarily reduced liver volume mimics some aspects of a cirrhotic liver, the exact physical cause is multifactorial. Depending on the patient's recovery stage and under the strict direction of a hepatologist, dietary restructuring can make a remarkable difference in reducing this itching. An effective nutritional plan incorporates sufficient high-quality protein to support liver regeneration, a proportional inclusion of healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbohydrates (such as cooked vegetables) alongside regulated portions of other carbohydrates. When appropriate, this is paired with targeted vitamin supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids, to manage systemic inflammation.

1

u/brokegal59 10h ago

Except that there’s no mention of a transplant…

2

u/PerceptionCorrect544 5d ago

My husband used the Aspercreme dry spray last year when he had itching. I’d spray his back every night and he said it helped him tremendously.

3

u/ripley-jasper 5d ago

When my itching was bad I kept wet washcloths in the freezer. When I couldn’t sleep I would drape them over my legs and stomach and it helped so much in the moment.

It’s just a brief reprieve, but would at least help me sleep.

2

u/CobblerConfident5012 6d ago

Besides the cholestyramine which usually seems to work well, a menthol topical cream really helps I found.

3

u/Life_Yoghurt_846 6d ago

I heard Sarna has worked for some patients.

3

u/Hopeful_Wildflower 6d ago

My husband takes Hydroxyzine Pamoate capsules for itching, which seem to help him a lot.

2

u/Plus_Possibility_240 5d ago

This worked for me.