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1. Itchy hands and feet: potential signs of disease
Persistent itching of the hands and feet, although it may seem minor, can be a worrying symptom associated with conditions such as diabetes and biliary cirrhosis.
Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that affects many people unknowingly. One possible sign of this condition is persistent itching of the hands and feet. When blood sugar is poorly controlled, it causes dehydration of the skin, making it dry and prone to irritation. At the same time, high blood sugar leads to decreased blood circulation, especially to the extremities, weakening the skin. This combination of dryness and poor circulation can cause chronic itching.
In some advanced cases of diabetes, nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy, causes deep, constant itching. This itching isn't just superficial: it results from malfunctioning nerves that are unable to communicate properly with the brain. Repeated scratching damages the skin, increasing the risk of infection. If left untreated, this can lead to serious complications, such as ulcers or even amputations in extreme cases.
Biliary cirrhosis: intense nighttime itching
Another cause of persistent itchy hands and feet is biliary cirrhosis, a little-known but serious liver disease. This condition, which primarily affects the bile ducts of the liver, causes a buildup of bile, leading to progressive liver damage. The itching caused by biliary cirrhosis is often worse at night and can become unbearable for the sufferer. In addition to itching, biliary cirrhosis can also present with other symptoms such as extreme fatigue, dark urine, dry mouth and eyes, and digestive discomfort.
This type of cirrhosis progresses slowly, and its early signs are often ignored or attributed to simple skin problems. However, prompt attention and medical monitoring are essential to avoid irreversible liver failure.
2. Itchy eyes: a warning signal for the liver
Itchy eyes may seem trivial, often associated with allergies or temporary irritation. However, prolonged itching with no obvious cause may be a sign of a more serious liver-related problem. The liver is a vital organ for detoxifying the body, filtering toxins and bile pigments. When it can no longer perform this task, toxins accumulate in the blood, particularly reaching the eye capillaries and causing persistent irritation.
Liver overload and its effects on the eyes
A liver that is weakened or overloaded with toxins can no longer properly fulfill its cleansing role. These toxins can then accumulate in the body and affect the eyes, triggering unbearable itching. In Chinese medicine, the link between the liver and the eyes is well known: it is considered that "the liver opens to the eyes," emphasizing the direct influence of liver health on ocular clarity and comfort. Itchy eyes can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as dry eyes, intense visual fatigue, or excessive discharge.
This type of cirrhosis progresses slowly, and its early signs are often ignored or attributed to simple skin problems. However, prompt attention and medical monitoring are essential to avoid irreversible liver failure.
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