A few lesser-known warning signs of fatty liver, a potentially life-threatening condition, could appear on your hands. Doctors are urging you to stay alert for these symptoms as they could indicate disease
in your liver - an essential organ which performs more than 500 crucial functions, including converting food into energy and removing toxins from your bloodstream. And so, any issues with your liver can be dangerous. According to experts, the three prominent signs of liver disease on your hands that you must not ignore include:
Nail clubbing
Experts say nail clubbing is a prominent sign of advanced chronic liver disease, like cirrhosis, but it is not specific to liver issues and is more commonly caused by lung or heart problems. Nail clubbing showcases bulbous enlargement of the fingertips - a downward curving of the nails, and a loss of the normal angle between the nail and the nail bed, which can be tested using the Schamroth sign. So, if you notice nail clubbing, you must immediately see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate medical care.Red palms
Red palms, also known as palmar erythema, is a sign of liver disease – especially advanced conditions like cirrhosis. This symptom results from changes in hormones, specifically high levels of estrogen, due to your liver’s impaired ability to metabolize it. Doctors say excess estrogen can lead to blood vessels dilating – causing redness and warmth in the palms, often appearing under the thumb and little finger. If you have unexplained red palms, make sure to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. A few ways to know if the redness on your palms is palmar erythema include:- It is symmetrical, which means the redness appears on both palms.
- The redness is blanchable, meaning if you press on it, it goes away.
- Your palms feel slightly warm.
- It is not painful and not itchy.
Terry’s nails
If your nail bed appears mostly white with a narrow pink band at the tip, it can be a sign of underlying liver disease – especially cirrhosis. However, doctors say it can also indicate other serious issues like heart failure, kidney disease, or diabetes, and sometimes just normal ageing. If you notice this nail change, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment for the underlying health issue.Other signs of liver disease
A few other signs of liver disease include:- Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Abdominal pain and swelling in the upper right side
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Dark urine and pale
- Clay-colored stools
- Persistent fatigue and weakness.
