Visible signs that can occur with liver disease
Liver disease can develop with few or no obvious symptoms in its early stages, so visible changes shouldn’t be used to diagnose it. However, certain signs can occur when liver function is affected.
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Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice): A buildup of bilirubin can turn the skin or whites of the eyes yellow.
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Swelling of the abdomen or legs: Liver disease can contribute to fluid accumulation, particularly in advanced disease.
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Easy bruising or bleeding: A damaged liver may produce fewer proteins needed for normal blood clotting.
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Itchy skin: Persistent generalized itching can occur with some liver and bile-flow disorders.
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Small spider-like blood vessels: Spider angiomas can occur, particularly with chronic liver disease, although they also have other causes.
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Red palms: Palmar erythema can sometimes occur with chronic liver disease.
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Dark urine or unusually pale stools: These can occur when bile processing or flow is disrupted.
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Muscle loss or unexplained weight loss: More advanced chronic liver disease can cause loss of muscle and body weight.
When to get checked
Don’t wait for visible signs if you have risk factors such as hepatitis, significant alcohol use, obesity, diabetes, or certain medications. Blood tests and, when appropriate, imaging can detect liver problems before obvious physical changes appear.
Seek urgent medical attention for new jaundice accompanied by severe abdominal pain, confusion, vomiting blood, black/tarry stools, or significant abdominal swelling.
Importantly, these signs don’t necessarily mean liver disease. For example, bruising, itching, and swollen legs have many possible causes. A healthcare professional needs to determine the underlying cause.
