Health & Life

5 Signs of Advanced Liver Disease: Don’t Wait, Seek Help Now

If your body exhibits these signs, it indicates that your liver is experiencing some issues, and it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Administrator

27 February, 2024

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Facial Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes is a sign of fatty liver in the face due to the accumulation of bilirubin waste in the liver. When bilirubin levels rise, the skin and eyes of patients can turn yellow.

Over time, the color can also change from yellow to greenish, due to the green pigment in the bile called biliverdin. The yellow color of the skin may be less noticeable in individuals with dark or brown skin, but the whites of the eyes still have a yellowish hue.

Mouth Rash

Chronic liver conditions like fatty liver disease can cause the body to inefficiently absorb certain nutrients, such as zinc. Many individuals with fatty liver disease not caused by alcohol deficiencies are zinc deficient.

A complication of zinc deficiency is dermatitis, which often presents as a rash around the mouth. Similar to a rash, these small, fluid-filled bumps appear densely.

Frequent Itching

Fatty liver disease can lead to itchy skin, even on the face. The main cause is excess bile salts in the body. However, itching often does not alleviate pain and can exacerbate irritation. In this situation, it is advisable to get a health check-up as soon as possible for timely treatment and management.

Red Spots on the Face

If you notice red spots on your face, it indicates that your liver is fatty and may have spider nevi, also known as spider veins, which resemble a spider web pattern, under the skin. Especially with this condition, it is due to the damage occurring when the capillaries just below the skin surface expand.

In this situation, it is advisable to get a health check-up as soon as possible and have proactive treatment to protect your health.

Frequently asked questions

The signs and symptoms of advanced liver disease can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal swelling, easy bruising, bleeding, fatigue, and confusion. There may also be a build-up of fluid in the abdomen, known as ascites.

Early detection of liver disease is crucial because it can often be treated and managed effectively if caught in its early stages. If left untreated, liver disease can progress and lead to serious complications, including liver failure and death.

Risk factors for liver disease include excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, hepatitis B and C infections, autoimmune conditions, and exposure to toxins. Certain genetic factors can also increase the risk of developing liver disease.

To reduce your risk of liver disease, maintain a healthy weight, drink alcohol in moderation or not at all, get vaccinated for hepatitis B and C, and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of infections. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and limiting exposure to toxins can also help maintain liver health.

If you experience any signs or symptoms of liver disease, such as those mentioned above, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Do not wait for the symptoms to become severe before seeking medical attention.