NASH and Itching

Do you ever have a persistent itch that worsens as you try to relieve it, spreading all over your body? If yes, this article might help clarify why you feel your clothes have itching powder all over them.

Before I got diagnosed with NASH, one of my many symptoms was itching. An intense itch that would spread from my legs to my sides and arms, with a constant itch all over my body, can be tiring and exhausting. There is a continual need to itch but not want to scratch your body up.

If you suffer from numerous conditions, you know symptoms can sometimes overlap. If you have been diagnosed with NASH or any other type of liver disease, you will find that it is most likely the cause of your itching. Below, I am going to explain why advanced NASH can cause liver disease and how you can try to stop the itching without looking and feeling like you have been in a fight with a feral cat.

Why does NASH cause itching?

NASH and many other advanced stages of liver disease can cause severe itching. This is because liver disease can cause higher levels of bile salts to accumulate under the skin.¹ Bile salts are a naturally occurring substance that helps digest food, particularly fats, in the small intestine.¹ The liver produces bile salts from cholesterol, and they can be found in our gallbladders.¹

How can I make the itching stop?

If possible, the best way to stop the itching is to treat the underlying condition. For example, eating healthy, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol, and taking fewer pain medications (if possible) are some ways to help with the itching. Other things you can do to help with the itching include keeping your nails short, wearing clothing that covers your skin as much as possible, using fragrance-free body wash and moisturizer, applying a cold, wet cloth to the itchy area, and trying to avoid hot showers and baths; instead, try having a cool shower.

I know it’s hard to resist the urge to itch the scratch, but when you have advanced NASH and or cirrhosis, you may experience easy bruising and bleeding. When my liver was at its worst, my itching got so bad that I had to wear gloves to bed as I would wake up with scratches all over my body from all the insane itching that would happen to me, even during sleep. It was awful, mainly because of all the spider veins and bruises I had on my legs due to NASH.

Even after healing my liver and returning to good health, my spider veins remain on my legs, as do the scars from the nights of intense itching and hot flushes. I am sorry if you are experiencing this; I know all this advice is more accessible, said than done, but you’ve got this. Until my next article, take care, fellow warriors.