Is Itching a symptom of HepC?

[btsmith]

   I wake up in the morning and feel pretty good and as the day rolls on I get tired, then my joints start aching, and finally if I get tired enough I'll start itching (or tingling).  I am waiting for my final liver biop befor tx.  This itching is killing me.

[980]

how to stop the itchin if one has hepatitis c¡

[cb867]

I itch a lot. My skin on my body and on my head,Benadryl works pretty good

[Marte313]

I also had the terrible itching when I first found out about my HCV. I cut all potential liver damagers, as birthcontrol-pills, painkillers, alcohol etc. The itching stopped after that.

[GrandOak]

If itching is related to liver issues, then topical ointments may have little effect (i.e. it's coming from the inside not out hence the reason scratching does not satiate the itch).

I've found that Benadryl can help for the most part, but also takes some time to be assimulated and distribute through your bloodstream.   This is fine if I catch it early enough to avoid it building to a severe condition.  However for me it does not always progess to that level and I sometimes miss taking the Benadryl in time.

In those cases,my doctor perscribed Hydroxyzine to take instead of the Benadryl as it apparently breaks down faster and so allivates the itching sensation faster.

[Magnum]

Anti-histamine pills seem to help. Ask your doctor. Also look into Benadryl Itch Relief Spray (extra strength), Sarna, Aveeno anti-itch cream, Cortaid (1% Hydrocortisone).

Sarna seems to get the highest rating...

Magnum

[sunshines76]

During my pregnancy (I am hcv 1b) I started itching all over my body, my billirubin was extremely high. I didn't want to take the medicines they gave me - just in case to avoid any potential harm to my babies. Instead I did what my mother advised me to do - I ate boiled beets (not canned). First day after I did it, itching was completely gone, and my labs got much better. I know some don't advise us eating beets because of their high iron content. But I think if you eat them in moderation, that shouldn't be a problem at all. Knowing how unpopular/unknown recepies with beets are in the U.S.... I smile every time when a cashier asks me a question what I am going to do with beets :) I know bunch of really tasty Ukrainian recepies with beets. So if it's high billirubin levels that torture you, let me know if you'd want to try to diversify your diet with some tasty beet dishes.

[meso349]

do you get relief from antihistimines?  
Is the itch localized?

Just curious, I have a mysterious itc. I am planning on getting my liver tested.  I get relief from antihistimines only.  

Thanks

[btsmith]

Thanks much

[ClippedWings]

Itching can certainly be a symptom of liver disease.  Elevated levels of Bilirubin can cause pruritus (itching).   In fact, I was completely unaware of my Hep C until I went to the doctor seeking relief from the itching that was (and is) driving me nuts.   Good luck.