Not Again! The Itching is Back

About a week ago the palms of my hands began itching. My family and I were on a week-long roadtrip and I assumed it was due to the hotel laundry soap or lotion, perhaps a plant I had touched - who knows? But after a couple of days the itching spread and worsened and when I had bloodwork done this week, the mystery was solved: My bilirubin is high and I'm experiencing pruritus.

I struggled with this four months ago. Fortunately, after a few weeks my bilirubin level decreased (and finally fell into normal range) and the itching went away... until now.

There are few things more frustrating than non-stop itching. I have spots on my body that are red and irritated from scratching and I'm starting to get a bit grumpy. Ugh! I'm having hernia surgery in four days and can't imagine the combined pain-itching experience afterward. This could be interesting... and not in a good way.

Photo by SuperFantastic

This Itching Is Driving Me Nuts!

I can't stop scratching! My arms, back, feet, stomach, scalp - you name it, I've scratched it until it's red and sore. I've taken to wearing my pajamas inside-out, because the tiniest bit of rough edge along the seams is too itchy. My family can't stand it and neither can I.

I have pruritus, which is an extrahepatic manifestation of Hep C. According to a fact sheet at www.hcvadvocate.org...

... Pruritus is one of the most common symptoms reported by people with hepatitis C (20%), but is more commonly found in people with advanced liver disease and cirrhosis. Pruritus is itching that may be localized to a specific part of the body such as hands and feet, but it can also be a generalized itching all over the body. Some people even report that it feels like their internal organs itch. Pruritus can be related to high bilirubin levels, autoimmune disease or dry skin, and can be a side effect of treatment. Use of moisturizing lotions, oatmeal baths or lotions, antihistamines, and cortisone creams and opiate drugs can help.

I scratched myself all night, so I'm going to slather on some moisturizer and try to take a nap now. Fingers crossed.

Photo by Orrling