Visible signs that can sometimes point to liver disease
Liver disease can develop with few or no symptoms in its early stages, so visible changes aren’t enough to diagnose it. But some physical signs deserve medical attention:
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Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice) — can occur when bilirubin builds up.
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Swelling of the abdomen (ascites) — fluid accumulation can occur with advanced liver disease.
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Swollen legs or ankles — can be associated with advanced liver disease, although there are many other causes.
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Easy bruising or unusual bleeding — impaired liver function can affect blood-clotting proteins.
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Spider-like blood vessels on the skin — small red vessels, often on the chest, face, neck, or arms, can occur with chronic liver disease.
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Red palms (palmar erythema) — redness of the palms can sometimes accompany chronic liver disease.
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Itchy skin — particularly generalized or persistent itching.
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Dark urine or unusually pale stools — can occur when bile flow or bilirubin processing is disrupted.
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Muscle loss or unexplained weight loss — more concerning when accompanied by other symptoms.
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Changes in mental alertness — confusion, unusual sleepiness, or personality changes can occur in advanced liver disease and require prompt medical attention.
Don’t rely on appearance alone
These signs can have many causes other than liver disease. If you notice jaundice, persistent abdominal swelling, unexplained bruising, or ongoing symptoms, a clinician can evaluate you with an examination and blood tests and, when appropriate, ultrasound or other imaging.
Seek urgent medical care for new jaundice accompanied by severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, significant confusion, or extreme sleepiness.
