What are the characteristics of bilirubin-induced skin itchiness?
High bilirubin levels are usually caused by bile duct obstruction, which may lead to skin itchiness. The main characteristics include large area involvement, severe intensity, worse condition at night, accompanied by jaundice, and poor efficacy of commonly used anti-itch medications.
Large Area Involvement: This type of itchiness is usually systemic and not limited to a specific area, covering a relatively large area.
Severe Intensity: Compared with itchiness caused by allergies or insect bites, the itchiness caused by high bilirubin levels is usually more severe, sometimes even causing patients to feel restless and irritable.
Worse Condition at Night: Due to increased neural excitability at night, the degree of itchiness is more severe and may even affect sleep.
Accompanied by Jaundice: High bilirubin levels can lead to the accumulation of large amounts of pigment in the skin, often accompanied by jaundice in addition to skin itchiness.
Poor Efficacy of Commonly Used Anti-Itch Medications: Commonly used anti-itch medications include antihistamines and neurotrophic drugs, which cannot promote bilirubin metabolism. Therefore, the efficacy of these medications in relieving itchiness is poor.
The possibility of infection is also relatively high, so it is important to seek timely diagnosis and treatment from a formal hospital's hepatobiliary department.
