Symptom 2. The Unseen Aggravation: Itchy Skin
Let’s move on to the next symptom of cirrhosis: itchy skin. Medically known as pruritus, this is a symptom that might initially seem insignificant. After all, who hasn’t dealt with an itch now and then? However, persistent, all-over itching can be a telltale sign of cirrhosis. But how does liver damage lead to itchy skin?
The liver plays a vital role in detoxifying our bodies. One of its jobs is to filter out waste products, including a substance called bile. In a healthy liver, bile is produced and sent to the intestines, where it aids in the digestion of fats. However, when the liver is damaged by cirrhosis, it can’t effectively process and eliminate bile. The result? Bile salts accumulate in the skin, causing a persistent itch that no amount of scratching seems to alleviate.
This itching can be all over the body or concentrated in certain areas like the palms or soles. It’s often worse at night, which can lead to sleep disturbances. Additionally, the constant scratching in response to the itch can result in skin damage, leading to further complications like infections. (2)
