How to relieve itching in cirrhosis

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on July 01, 2025
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Patients with cirrhosis experiencing generalized itching should consider the following treatments: First, it is important to determine whether there are any allergic factors. If allergies are present, antihistamines such as cetirizine and loratadine should be used. Second, maintaining skin cleanliness and hygiene is crucial, and the use of harsh or irritating cleansing products should be avoided. Third, it is essential to actively treat the underlying cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis often have reduced liver function, which can lead to the accumulation of toxins. Therefore, treatment should focus on addressing the cirrhosis itself. If a patient with cirrhosis has jaundice, leading to the accumulation of bilirubin and bile, this can also cause skin itching. In such cases, treatment to reduce jaundice should be administered, which can help alleviate the symptoms.

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Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
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Can alcoholic liver cirrhosis be cured?

Cirrhosis caused by alcohol can be treated clinically. The first and foremost treatment for alcoholic cirrhosis is abstinence from alcohol. If one cannot abstain, no treatment will achieve the desired effect or be of much use. Once cirrhosis has developed, the condition cannot be reversed; it can only be managed with medications to slow the progression of the cirrhosis and reduce the occurrence of complications. If financial circumstances allow, a liver transplant can be considered for treatment. Naturally, alcoholic cirrhosis can also be treated with a liver transplant. Thus, alcoholic cirrhosis is a treatable condition.

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Written by Shen Jiang Chao
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Can cirrhosis be detected by a CT scan?

Cirrhosis can be detected by a CT scan. Early-stage cirrhosis has no specific diagnostic value on CT, but middle to late-stage cirrhosis typically manifests as wavy changes in the liver capsule, enlarged liver lobes, and disproportionate size of liver lobes, with most changes involving an enlargement of the left lobe and caudate lobe and a relative shrinkage of the right lobe. Additionally, secondary manifestations of cirrhosis, such as portal hypertension, can cause enlargement of the spleen and varices in the lower esophagus and stomach fundus. When cirrhosis is detected, it is advisable to perform an enhanced CT scan to determine the potential for malignant transformation in liver regenerative nodules.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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Is hepatitis B with liver cirrhosis severe?

Hepatitis B-related cirrhosis is a form of liver cirrhosis caused by the hepatitis B virus, and it is more severe than chronic hepatitis B. However, cirrhosis can be categorized into compensated cirrhosis and decompensated cirrhosis. Decompensated cirrhosis refers to the advanced stages of cirrhosis, characterized by significant hardening of the liver, and complications such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and gastrointestinal bleeding may occur. This type of cirrhosis is severe and has a high mortality rate, and even timely antiviral therapy against hepatitis B cannot effectively delay the progression of the disease. Compensated cirrhosis refers to the early stages of cirrhosis, where complications like ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and gastrointestinal bleeding are not present, making this type of cirrhosis comparatively less severe. With timely antiviral therapy against hepatitis B, the progression of cirrhosis can be delayed.

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
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Can you have intercourse after hepatic cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B?

Liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B, if not treated with standard antiviral therapy, is very likely to test positive for the hepatitis B virus. HBV-DNA is a good indicator of the hepatitis B virus; if HBV-DNA tests positive, then it is contagious. The main transmission routes of hepatitis B include mother-to-child transmission, blood and body fluid transmission, and sexual transmission between spouses, though this route carries a relatively lower risk. Why is this the case? Firstly, the spouse may already have hepatitis B surface antibodies, which are protective antibodies providing immunity against hepatitis B. Secondly, when adults are infected with hepatitis B, most can acutely clear the virus, preventing the chronic manifestation of the disease.

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Written by Si Li Li
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Can people with cirrhosis eat watermelon?

Patients with cirrhosis can eat watermelon, as it is typically consumed raw. Therefore, it is important to ensure cleanliness when eating watermelon, and one should chew slowly and thoroughly without overeating. Eating a moderate amount, preferably once or twice a week, is advisable. The dietary principle for patients with cirrhosis should focus on light and easily digestible foods, avoiding rough and hard textures. It is also crucial to avoid greasy, spicy, and irritating foods, and alcohol consumption must be strictly avoided. Hygiene in diet is important, and a high-protein diet is advisable. Regular, moderate exercise is recommended, but patients should not overexert themselves and should ensure sufficient rest.