6 Surprising Signs Your Liver Can Be Struggling

Your liver plays a crucial role in keeping your body running smoothly, from detoxifying harmful substances to supporting digestion and metabolism. But when it’s not functioning properly, the effects can be far-reaching.

Unfortunately, liver issues often go unnoticed until they become serious. Recognizing the warning signs is key to protecting your health. Here are 6 surprising symptoms that could indicate your liver is in trouble, so you can take action and consult your doctor.

CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE OF MEDICAL ADVICE. SEEK GUIDANCE OF YOUR DOCTOR REGARDING YOUR HEALTH AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS.

1. Reddening of the palms.

Reddening of your palms, also known as palmar erythema, is one of the warning signs you might need to pay a close attention to. Palmar erythema, or “liver palms,” is a condition where the palms of the hands turn red, and in some cases, it can affect the backs of the hands, fingertips, nail beds, and sometimes even the soles of the feet.

Around 23% of people with liver cirrhosis experience this condition. It happens because of changes in hormone levels that affect blood flow, causing the blood vessels in the palms to dilate.

Palmar erythema can also appear in other situations, such as during pregnancy, with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, and in certain liver disorders like Wilson’s disease and hereditary hemochromatosis.

2. Unusual nail pigmentation.

Terry’s nails is a condition where a person’s fingernails or toenails turn mostly white, giving them a “ground glass” look, with no visible moon-shaped area (lunula) at the base.

This change happens because of reduced blood flow and an increase in connective tissue in the nail bed. A key feature of Terry’s nails is that the white part of the nail fades when you apply pressure, which helps distinguish it from another conditions. Terry’s nails frequently occurs in the setting of liver failure, cirrhosis, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or malnutrition.

80% of patients with severe liver disease have Terry’s nails, but they are also found in people with kidney failure, in patients with congestive heart failure and are described as a brown arc near the ends of the nails. Terry’s nails can sometimes be a sign of aging, but if you notice this change in your nails, it’s important to check in with a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and potential treatment.

3. Spider-like formations on your body.

A spider angioma, also known as a spider nevus, is a type of skin condition where small blood vessels just beneath the skin form a pattern that looks like a spider’s web. It usually features a red center with thin, reddish lines radiating outward.

These are quite common and harmless, appearing in about 10-15% of healthy adults and children. However, if you notice more than three of these spots, it could be a sign of something more serious, such as liver disease or hepatitis C (HCV virus).

Research shows that the presence of spider nevi can help predict the severity of liver damage in people with chronic liver diseases. In fact, these skin changes might be linked to the level of liver fibrosis, a condition where the liver becomes scarred over time. So, spotting spider nevi could provide valuable clues about the progression of liver disease.

4. Jaundiced eyes.

Jaundice, also known as hyperbilirubinemia, happens when your skin, the whites of your eyes (sclera), and mucous membranes turn yellow. It occurs when your liver can’t process bilirubin, a yellow substance created when red blood cells break down. This can be caused by either excessive breakdown of red blood cells or liver damage.

Here’s how jaundice develops:

Red Blood Cell Breakdown: Your body regularly breaks down old red blood cells and replaces them with new ones. This process creates bilirubin, a yellow substance.

Bilirubin Processing: Normally, your liver processes this bilirubin and mixes it into bile, a fluid that helps digest food. The liver then releases the bile into your digestive system.

Too Much Bilirubin: Jaundice happens when your liver can’t keep up with processing all the bilirubin, or if there’s an issue with your liver releasing it properly.

Yellow Color: When there’s too much bilirubin in your blood, it leaks into the tissues around your blood vessels. This excess bilirubin causes your skin and the whites of your eyes to turn yellow, which is the main sign of jaundice.

5. Shifts in your personality.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a condition where liver failure causes changes in consciousness. It can come on gradually or suddenly, and may include symptoms like difficulty with movement, mood swings, or shifts in personality. In severe cases, it can lead to a coma.

HE can happen in people with either acute or chronic liver disease. Triggers for episodes include infections, gastrointestinal bleeding, constipation, electrolyte imbalances, or certain medications. The main cause is thought to be a buildup of ammonia in the blood, a substance that the liver typically filters out.

There are a few mental signs to watch out for if you’re dealing with liver issues. You might:

• Feel confused
• Forget things easily
• Feel unusually nervous or overly excited
• Notice sudden changes in your personality or behavior
• Speak or act in ways that seem inappropriate
• Lose interest in things you once enjoyed
• Get more easily irritated or cranky

When it comes to changes in behavior, you might not always notice them yourself. If you have long-term liver disease, experts advise asking your family and friends to keep an eye out for any changes in your mood or actions. Encourage them to be honest with you if they notice anything unusual, so you can stay on top of your health.

6. Itchy feet

Itchy feet can sometimes be a sign of liver disease, especially in conditions like primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). These liver conditions cause damage or blockages in the bile ducts, leading to a build-up of bile in the body. This accumulation can cause severe itching, particularly on the hands and feet.

If your itching is due to a liver issue, you won’t see a rash or insect bites—just persistent itching. However, constant scratching can damage the skin over time.

The severity of the itching often matches the seriousness of the liver disease. You might notice the itching gets worse in hot conditions, like during a hot bath, at night, or when wearing certain clothes. The medical term for itching is pruritus.

And here’s a curious and science-backed read about what can happen to your body if you stop eating gluten completely. Read more and find out some shocking facts about your possible body reactions.