Liver disease often causes no symptoms in its early stages, so visible signs usually appear only after significant liver damage has occurred. While these signs can be associated with liver disease, they can also have many other causes.
Some visible signs that may warrant medical evaluation include:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) – caused by a buildup of bilirubin.
- Swollen abdomen – fluid accumulation (ascites) can occur with advanced liver disease.
- Swollen legs or ankles – fluid retention may develop as liver function worsens.
- Spider-like blood vessels on the skin (spider angiomas) – often seen on the face, neck, or chest.
- Red palms (palmar erythema) – redness of the palms can be associated with liver disease but also occurs in other conditions.
- Easy bruising or bleeding – the liver produces proteins involved in blood clotting.
- Persistent itchy skin – sometimes related to bile flow problems.
- Dark urine and pale or clay-colored stools – may indicate problems with bile processing.
Other symptoms can include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, or unexplained weight loss.
Seek urgent medical care if you develop:
- Yellow skin or eyes with confusion, severe sleepiness, or worsening illness.
- Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools.
- Severe abdominal swelling with fever or intense pain.
