The liver is called the “silent organ.” However, it does not always remain silent. If there is damage, the liver will send its own “SOS” to us. Many symptoms appear in skin signs of liver damage in unexpected places, such as the skin and feet, so you may not realize that the liver is the cause. It is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible in order to obtain an early diagnosis and to avoid
your symptoms from becoming severe In this blog, I will discuss “4 Danger Signs Your Liver Tells You” that everyone should know.
How Are Skin Conditions Linked To Liver Disease?
Skin issues such as discoloration, skin rashes, and dryness often occur in people with either short-term or long-term liver conditions. They might be among the earliest evident signs of a liver problem
Some liver complications that can lead to skin issues are:
- Alcoholic liver disease: Around 43% of people with this condition get skin lesions.
- Primary biliary cirrhosis.
- Hepatitis from viruses.
4 Skin Signs Of Liver Damage
The liver is an organ that performs a wide variety of tasks. It functions as a “factory” that breaks down unnecessary “toxins.” When we drink a lot of alcohol or eat fatty foods frequently, the liver does its work silently.
However, when liver function declines, unnecessary waste products gradually accumulate in the body. These accumulated substances cause various symptoms.
The Palms Become Bright Red
The medical term for this is “palm erythema,” a red donut-shaped area of the palm. By observing the palm of your hand, you may be able to detect an “SOS” coming from your liver. This symptom is caused by estrogen, a female hormone that can cause blood vessels to dilate. The liver breaks down estrogen but, when liver function is impaired, excessive amounts may accumulate in the body and cause redness of the palms of your hands. This, in turn, may cause your skin to become dry, and you should consider an effective moisturizer such as Tetros® ULTRA cream for your hands to soothe the dryness and keep your skin hydrated.
Itching All Over The Body
This is normally associated with a liver disease called “primary biliary cirrhosis”. It is caused by the liver’s inability to excrete a substance called “bilirubin” that then builds up in the blood.
When the liver function deteriorates in this manner, the itching becomes a major, symptom. Usually, other than some of the symptoms described below, there are no skin abnormalities, such as swelling or redness
The Skin Turns Yellow
Inability of the liver to excrete bilirubin causes another skin abnormality called jaundice, where the skin turns progressively yellow.
Normally the bilirubin produced in the liver passes as bile into the gallbladder and is then discharged through the bile duct into the duodenum, a portion of the intestines that is immediately below the stomach.
Spider Veins Appear On The Skin
Spider veins look like a spider’s web of damaged blood vessels that lie just under your skin and look red, blue, or purple. The medical term for these is telangiectasias, and they RE caused by Hormonal changes, genetic syndromes, connective tissue disorders, injury, or trauma. Spider veins don’t typically cause any difficulties, but rarely, may cause burning, itching, or discomfort (especially in your legs). Treatments can get rid of spider veins and help you feel better about your skin’s appearance.
Conclusion
The skin often acts as a mirror, often reflecting your body’s internal health, which is particularly true when it comes to liver health. Various skin signs, such as jaundice, spider viens, red palms, and others, can serve as critical indicators of liver damage or underlying liver disease. Recognizing these signs early can be crucial for diagnosing liver conditions, allowing for more effective management and treatment of the underlying causes. It’s essential to approach these skin manifestations not in isolation but as part of a comprehensive overall health evaluation If you are concerned about any of the symptoms described above, be sure to consult your physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does The Liver Hurt?
The liver can store energy in two forms: glycogen and neutral fat. Glycogen is used quickly, while neutral fat is used in times of starvation. Excess energy is stored as triglycerides in the liver, leading to a fatty liver. If left untreated, this can cause inflammation, known as steatohepatitis.
Is Weight Loss Strategy Helpful In Fatty Liver?
Fatty liver disease can lead to liver cirrhosis and, eventually, liver cancer. Weight loss is the first step to improving fatty liver disease. Losing 10% of body weight has been shown to improve almost all cases of fatty liver and fibrosis. It is important to note that there are different types of fatty liver disease, and the underlying causes can vary. For example, some people may have fatty liver disease due to alcohol consumption, while others may have it due to obesity, insulin resistance, or other factors.
It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation.
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