Severe Itchiness of the Skin
The liver produces bile (a fluid that helps digest fats). Typically, the bile passes through the ducts without any problems. However, because of the damage or scars in the liver, it couldn’t let the bile pass through. As a result, the unfiltered bile or bile salts can build up and leave yellow bumps of fat on the skin or eyelids. Some patients also experience intolerable itchiness in their limbs, palms, and soles. In extreme cases, patients itch all over their bodies.
Studies have shown that almost 70% of cirrhosis patients develop a reddish purple rash. The rash may be a group of tiny dots or larger splotches scattered in different body parts. These are caused by the bleeding or rapture of small blood vessels in the skin. Some patients also develop a short-term infection called urticaria. Urticaria is very itchy and can spread across large areas of the body, like the back, belly, and thighs.
Patients testify that the itchiness intensifies in the late evening and at night. Continual itching may interfere with sleep, leading to a weaker body, fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia.
