The body always gives us signs if something is amiss. “The liver plays a crucial role when it comes to detoxifying the body, and if it isn’t functioning properly, it can show up on the skin. Therefore, certain skin changes require timely attention,” said Dr Ameet Mandot, director, Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplant Medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Parel, Mumbai.
In fact, gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi also recently spoke about four skin changes that could indicate underlying liver disease in an Instagram post. “You can check these at home,” he said, adding that he is a liver specialist.
Here’s what he listed.
Yellowing of the skin and the eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels. This is a classical sign of liver disease, as the liver is responsible for processing bilirubin.
Dark patches or discolouration, especially around the eyes or neck, can also indicate liver dysfunction, added Dr Mandot.
Spider angiomas are small, dilated blood vessels that resemble spider webs, typically on the face, neck, or chest. These are caused by increased estrogen levelswhich can occur in liver disease.
Palmer Arythemma, or the redness and inflammation of the palms often accompanied by swelling. This is due to an increase in blood flow and estrogen levels, which can be a sign of liver dysfunction.
Itching without a clear cause, which worsens at night. This can be due to bile salts building up in the skin, often seen in liver issues.
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Dr Vikas Jindal, consultant, Dept of Gastroenterology at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhiaffirmed that the signs mentioned above are all “well-established clinical indicators of liver dysfunction, particularly in chronic liver disease and cirrhosis”.
Jaundice is one of the most recognisable symptoms of liver disease. “It presents as a yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes, caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. This typically occurs when the liver is no longer able to process and excrete bilirubin efficiently. Jaundice usually becomes noticeable when bilirubin levels exceed around 2 mg/dL, and it serves as a clear marker for liver-related issues,” explained Dr Jindal.
Spider angiomas are another classic sign. Dr Jindal said that these small, red, spider-like clusters of blood vessels that appear just beneath the skin’s surface may seem normal, especially in women and children, but the presence of three or more, especially in adults, can be associated with cirrhosis and liver failure. “They result from hormonal imbalances and vascular changes related to impaired liver function,” said Dr Jindal.
Here’s what to note (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Dr Jindal said that palmar erythema, characterised by redness of the palms (especially at the base of the thumb and little finger), is also linked to liver disease. “It is believed to be caused by elevated levels of circulating estrogen due to impaired liver metabolism. Studies have shown that palmar erythema can be found in approximately 23–72 per cent of patients with cirrhosis,” said Dr Jindal.
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Itching, or pruritus, is a common and often “distressing symptom in patients with cholestatic liver diseases”, such as primary biliary cholangitis, as well as in cirrhosis. “It usually affects the palms and soles first and is thought to be caused by the accumulation of bile acids and other substances in the skin that are not properly cleared due to liver dysfunction,” said Dr Jindal.
These skin changes shouldn’t be neglected and need prompt intervention. Dr Mandot asserted, “Don’t take your skin and liver health lightly at all. It is necessary to manage liver problems without any delay to enhance the quality of life,” said Dr Mandot.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
