If you have primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and are currently dealing with dry skin, you’re not alone: Skin complaints, including dryness, are very common in people with PBC.
Although dry skin may not sound like a serious symptom, it can significantly affect your quality of life — and may be a sign of another underlying autoimmune condition.
The connection between PBC and dry skin
PBC can cause dry skin in a few different ways.
Cholestasis, a condition in which bile can’t flow properly through the liver, can cause intense, deep itching in up to 80% of patients with PBC. Although cholestasis isn’t directly linked to dry skin, constant scratching can cause damage that leads to drier, itchier skin.
Read more about PBC signs and symptoms
Additionally, high cholesterol levels are seen in the vast majority of patients with PBC. Again, high cholesterol on its own isn’t a direct cause of dryness, but it is linked to conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, which do cause dry skin.
Comorbidities that may cause dry skin
In some patients, dry skin may not be caused by PBC itself, but rather one of several autoimmune diseases that are sometimes found among individuals with PBC. These may include:
- Sjögren’s disease: Sjögren’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in about one-third of people with PBC. It can cause dryness not only of the skin, but also of the mouth and eyes.
- Thyroid conditions: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is known to cause dry skin, is also somewhat common in patients with PBC.
- Systemic sclerosis: Systemic sclerosis is another autoimmune disease that may coexist with PBC in some individuals. It is characterized by thick, dry skin.
How to treat your dry skin
To treat your dry skin at its source, you’ll need to identify the cause, whether this be PBC or another autoimmune condition. In the meantime, however, here are some general tips for managing dry skin:
- Avoid taking very hot showers, which can dry out your skin quicker by stripping its natural barrier. Also, try to limit your baths or showers to 10 minutes.
- Look for thick moisturizers that will help seal in moisture and prevent dryness.
- Moisturize your skin several times throughout the day, including first thing in the morning, after showers and before bed at night.
- Instead of rubbing your skin dry, pat it gently with a soft towel or washcloth.
- Consider artificial tears and saliva substitutes if you also have dry mouth and eyes.
If you’re unable to manage your dry skin on your own, consider speaking to a dermatologist. They may be able to offer prescription moisturizers that are more powerful than over-the-counter options.
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