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Liver Disease
A healthy liver directs bile to the intestine, where it is used in the processing of food and elimination of waste. However, when the liver becomes diseased, the damage can cause bile to back up in the bloodstream. Bile contains salt compounds that are deposited beneath the surface of the skin. These salt compounds produce intense, chronic itching. According to Dr. James F. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," cirrhosis is one of the most common types of liver disease. Other liver disorders that can cause pruritus are bile duct paucity, which is characterized by too few bile ducts from the liver to the intestines, biliary atresia, a complete absence of bile ducts.
Kidney Failure
People with kidney failure are often prone to severe itching beneath the skin, according to the National Institutes of Health. Pruritus often worsens during or immediately after dialysis. This is because dialysis prevents the body from removing uremic toxins from the body. Itching may also be caused by elevated levels of the parathyroid hormone, which is common during kidney failure.
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Diseases and Conditions
Itchy skin (pruritus)
Causes
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Possible causes of itchy skin include:
- Dry skin. If you don't see a crop of bright, red bumps or some other dramatic change in the itchy area, dry skin (xerosis) is a likely cause. Dry skin usually results from environmental factors such as hot or cold weather with low humidity, long-term use of air conditioning or central heating, and washing or bathing too much.
- Skin conditions and rashes. Many skin conditions itch, including eczema (dermatitis), psoriasis, scabies, lice, chickenpox and hives. The itching usually affects specific areas and is accompanied by other signs, such as red, irritated skin or bumps and blisters.
- Internal diseases. These include liver disease, malabsorption of wheat (celiac disease), kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid problems and cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma. The itching usually affects the whole body. The skin may look otherwise normal except for the repeatedly scratched areas.
- Nerve disorders. Conditions that affect the nervous system — such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, pinched nerves and shingles (herpes zoster) — can cause itching.
- Irritation and allergic reactions. Wool, chemicals, soaps and other substances can irritate the skin and cause itching. Sometimes the substance, such as poison ivy or cosmetics, causes an allergic reaction. Food allergies also may cause skin to itch.
- Drugs. Reactions to drugs, such as antibiotics, antifungal drugs or narcotic pain medications, can cause widespread rashes and itching.
- Pregnancy. During pregnancy, some women experience itchy skin, especially on the abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms. Also, itchy skin conditions, such as dermatitis, can worsen during pregnancy.
