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Pruritus, or persistent itching, is one of the most common symptoms of PBC. In fact, up to 70% of people with PBC may experience pruritus at some point over the course of the disease.1 Itching can occur anywhere on the body and for some may be worse at night.1
- Use skin moisturizer and oatmeal extract to improve dry and inflamed skin
- Use mild, hypoallergenic, dye-free, fragrance-free nonalkaline soaps and lukewarm water
- Hydrate your skin immediately after a bath or shower
- Cut your nails short to reduce scratching lesions
- Train yourself to stop the cycle of itch – try to find a distraction to forget about the itching
- Heat, including hot showers and baths which may dry out your skin
- Excessive washing/bathing
- Rubbing your skin
- Products that irritate the skin such as alcohol-based products
- Deodorant soaps - if too strong, they can irritate the skin and aggravate itching
- Wear gloves when cleaning and doing housework to protect your hands from bleach, dish soap and other cleaning products
- Wear loose clothing made of natural fibres to avoid irritation from friction
(Cotton is the softest and coolest fabric to wear)
- Clothing that rubs the skin
- Overly scented detergents
- Wearing woolen or tight clothing
- Ensuring you have adequate water intake
- Spicy food and stimulants (tobacco, alcohol, coffee, etc.)
- Use wet, cold, or moist wraps or a compress and apply to the area of the skin that is irritated
- Use a humidifier in the house if the air is dry
- Dry air
- Use relaxation techniques
- Stress and anxiety
(If you suffer from chronic stress or anxiety, talk to your doctor for strategies to help you)
REFERENCES:
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Canadian Liver Foundation. Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Available at:https://www.liver.ca/patients-caregivers/liver-diseases/primary-biliary-cholangitis/ Last Accessed: November 2024
