Visible signs that may point to liver disease
A key point first: liver disease can be silent for years, particularly fatty liver disease. Visible changes tend to become more apparent when liver disease is more advanced.
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Some signs worth getting medically evaluated include:
Yellow skin or yellowing of the whites of the eyes (jaundice) — caused by increased bilirubin.
Swollen abdomen — fluid accumulation, called ascites, can make the abdomen noticeably enlarged.
Swollen ankles, legs, or feet — fluid retention can occur with advanced liver disease.
Small spider-like blood vessels on the skin — sometimes called spider angiomas.
Red or blotchy palms — known as palmar erythema.
Easy bruising or bleeding — advanced liver disease can interfere with normal blood clotting.
Very itchy skin — particularly when accompanied by other liver-related symptoms.
Muscle wasting or unexplained weight loss — can occur with significant chronic liver disease.
Changes in the nails or fingertips — white nails or clubbing can occur in some people with cirrhosis.
Breast enlargement in men — hormonal changes associated with advanced cirrhosis can cause this.
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Don’t wait for visible symptoms
Many people with fatty liver disease or early chronic liver disease have no obvious symptoms. Blood tests and, when appropriate, imaging can detect problems before dramatic physical signs appear.
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Yellowing of the skin or eyes should be assessed urgently, particularly if it is new.
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And if someone with known liver disease develops vomiting blood, black/tarry stools, sudden confusion, or severe abdominal swelling, they need emergency medical attention.
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