Cholestasis refers to the impaired secretion of the bile resulting from obstruction in the intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts. One of its clinical features is pruritus, or itching sensation in the skin. This is related to the retained bile acids five times higher than the normal range, which stay under the skin resulting in pruritus and irritation. It is not related to drug detoxification or phagocytic functions. Collateral circulation such as esophageal varices or hemorrhoids is associated with portal hypertension. Other manifestations of cholestasis include scleral icterus, jaundice, and dark-colored urine.