Why do people with liver disease often have itchy skin?

One of the most common causes of itchy skin is dry skin, especially in the cold, dry weather of the winter months. Another worrying cause of itchy skin is liver problems.

Itchy skin can be one of the warning signs of liver damage. In fact, not everyone with liver problems will have itchy skin, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

A damaged liver causes bile salts to accumulate in the body, leading to a feeling of intense itching, especially in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Itching due to liver problems is often worse in the evening and at night. Many people experience itching on the palms of their hands and soles of their feet, while others experience itching all over their body. There is no rash or damage to the skin. However, excessive scratching can cause irritation, discoloration, and infection.

Liver damage that causes itchy skin is due to the following changes in the body:

Bile salts

When the liver is damaged, the movement of bile from the liver to the intestines is disrupted. This results in a buildup of bile salts in the blood and body tissues. Bile salts irritate the nerves under the skin, leading to a feeling of intense itching, especially in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Increased histamine

One of the functions of the liver is to break down and remove histamine. If the liver is damaged, histamine levels in the body can increase and cause itchy skin. Antihistamines are usually not effective in this case.

Increased ALP enzyme

A damaged liver increases the level of potassium phosphatase (ALP) in the blood. This is an enzyme that removes phosphate from the body. Studies show that people with high levels of potassium phosphatase often have itchy skin.

How to reduce itchy skin

Experts advise patients not to scratch because scratching can cause skin to break and become infected. To prevent skin irritation and reduce itching, patients should bathe in cool or warm water instead of hot water, and shower instead of soaking in the bathtub.

They should also avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or hot environments. Bath soaps should be mild and fragrance-free. Mild, unscented moisturizers will help prevent dry skin.

If the itching is bothersome, you can apply a cold, wet towel to the skin until the itching subsides. Patients should also avoid contact with substances that can irritate the skin, according to Healthline .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vi-sao-nguoi-mac-benh-gan-lai-hay-ngua-da-185241216151011281.htm