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Pruritus

Pruritus can occur when there is poor bile flow (cholestasis). It is thought that itch is due to the excessive amounts of harmful bile acids circulating in the blood stream. This happens when the liver disease prevents these bile acids from being excreted effectively.

Pruritus (itching) can become a significant problem in some children who suffer from liver disease. The degree of itching can vary greatly from patient to patient, ranging from mild and intermittent to severe and intractable so that it interferes with the daily life and sleep of the child. Jaundice does not necessarily accompany itching.

Pruritus is usually felt all over the body, but most severely affects the palms, the soles of the feet, the extremities and the upper part of the body (the trunk).

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