Itchy Skin
Itchy skin is another common sign of many liver diseases. Also known as pruritis, it is an uncomfortable and irritating sensation that urges you to scratch your skin. Pruritis is very common in older adults and can be caused or worsened by dry skin. The underlying cause of itchy skin in most cases is also the accumulation of bilirubin in the body.
Depending on the underlying cause, it may appear bumpy, rough or red. Constant scratching of the skin can lead to the rough and thickened skin areas that might become infected and prone to bleed easily. In most cases, it involves the whole body, however, you may experience itching on the specific body parts such as the arm, legs, back, belly, and face. Pruritis that turns into thick, red patches also indicates the severity of the disease.
Sometimes pruritis may last longer and can be intense. As you scratch the area, it gets itchier. The more you scratch, the more you will experience itching. Chronic pruritis, that lasts more than 6 weeks can affect the quality of your life. It can cause insomnia, disrupt your sleep-wake cycle and may lead to anxiety and depression. If left untreated, constant scratching can possibly lead to scarring and skin injury.