Itching is very common right? Everyone has itching somewhere or the else and it can be due to many reasons. We generally relate itching to allergies, sweat, dryness, etc, but it can be much more than this. Itching is also related to chronic liver diseases which can pose a greater threat to health. In majority of conditions, the itch is caused in lower arms which can look like normal itch or dryness but is usually not. Chronic liver disease can make a person scratch numerous times, let us know the reason behind this issue and link between these conditions.
Itching and Liver Disease
It is hard to determine the exact cause of liver disease because of itching because there is no connection in the physical form. Chronic liver diseases can cause symptoms of itching because of some underlying condition which makes the body itch. According to Dr. Sumeet Nigam, General Physician from Sahara Hospital, Lucknow, liver conditions as associated with alcohol related liver diseases or fatty liver problems. In these conditions, itching increases over the period and can be quite irritating.
What Effect Does Itching Have?
As such local itch which happens during the liver diseases does not create any health complications. But over a period of time, it can disrupt your sleeping routine and increase desire to scratch yourself. Itching during chronic liver disease increases over a period of time and causes health concerns such as irritation and behavioural problems. Due to lack of sleep, itching caused by liver infections can also become very problematic over the years.
Causes of Itching Suring Liver Disease
There has not yet been any proven method which can determine the cause of having liver disease but there are possibilities that it can occur because of the following conditions-
1. High level of Bile Salts
Bile salts are directly connected to liver diseases because these salts are produced in the liver which helps in the digestion process. Bile salts accumulate under the skin that can cause itching if they are produced in more than necessary amount. However this is not a permanent cause, there could be other reasons as well.
Also Read- Bile Salts: Know Various Functions And Benefits On Digestive Health
2. High Histamine levels
High levels of histamine in the body are also one of the reasons for having itching in the lower arms. This is because people having liver disease actually get affected by itching problems quite often. However treatment can be done to control this problem.
3. Serotonin
This may affect the perception of the person. Serotonin does not actually cause itching but bit just gives perception of having this. It can be very problematic because it scratches your skin without any reason and manage pruritus in some people.
4. Female Sex Hormones
During pregnancy, women experience many symptoms, itching is among one of them. Sex hormones behave very randomly because of hormone replacement therapy. In pregnancy, it is important to control the itching because liver diseases can be quite problematic.
5. Serum Alkaline Phosphate
People with itch related issues can be particularly difficult to elevate symptoms of liver disease. This is a chemical which can cause itching in people all over the body.
Also Read- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
6. Lysophosphatidic Acid enzyme formation
One of the reasons for having cellular problems can be because of itching and liver disease in the person. Higher levels of LPA can result to formation of more scratches, itching and sleep disorders.
Tips to Avoid Itching During Liver Diseases
1. Avoid Scratching As much As possible
It is important to have certain control over your body because there could be certain problems attached to it. Keep your fingernails short and stiff because scratching at sudden can cause injuries and infection in the skin. Also try to dab hot or cool water bag over the area where itching is happening. Also use mild soaps and no added fragrance to combat dryness.
2. Use Anti-itch topical
Another way to prevent itching is to have anti-topical creams which can control the irritants from affecting you and calms your senses. These are basically over the counter topical usually used as corticosteroids and inhibitors that are able to prevent this problem during liver diseases.
3. Consider Light Therapy
Another way to control your itching during liver disease is through light therapy treatment. This is a phototherapy treatment that exposes the person to a specific type of light that promotes healing process. This cannot counter liver diseases but can reduce symptoms such as itching as physical irritation from the skin.
Picture Credits- shutterstock.com