NASH and Itching

Do you ever have a persistent itch that worsens as you try to relieve it, spreading all over your body? If so, this article clarifies why you feel your clothes have an itchy powder all over them.

My first sign of NASH

Before I got diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH or MASH), one of my many symptoms was itching. An intense itch that spreads from my legs to my sides and arms, accompanied by 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 pruritus or itching. Below, I will explain why advanced NASH can cause skin itching and how you can try to alleviate the itchiness 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?

The best way to stop the NASH-related itching is to treat the underlying condition. For example, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol, and reducing the use of pain medications (if possible) are some ways to help alleviate itching. Other things you can do to help with the itchiness 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
• Trying to avoid hot showers and baths; instead, try having a cool shower

Resisting the urge to scratch

I know it’s hard to resist the urge to 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 pruritus 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'm sorry if you're experiencing this; I know all this advice is easier said than done, but you’ve got this. Until my next article, take care, fellow warriors.