Fatty liver, cirrhosis: Signs to recognize from the hands

The hands can 'speak up' before serious liver problems arise. Small changes such as finger twitching can sometimes be a sign of fatty liver or cirrhosis.

Your hands can reflect the health of your liver before other symptoms appear. This is because liver damage affects hormone balance, blood circulation and the body's ability to detoxify, according to the Times of India .

Hands can 'speak up' before the liver has serious problems

Illustration: AI

Palmar erythema

This sign manifests itself through red areas in the palms of the hands, especially the area under the thumb and little finger. The cause is often due to increased estrogen levels, which cause vasodilation in the hands - a common condition in people with liver dysfunction.

Although it is sometimes found in healthy people, if the rash on the palms persists, people need to be checked to rule out liver disease, endocrine disorders, autoimmune diseases or rheumatoid arthritis.

Dupuytren's contracture (palmar fascia)

This is a condition where the tissue under the skin of the palm thickens and contracts, causing the fingers to bend and become difficult to straighten. The disease usually progresses slowly, forming lumps or bands of fibrous tissue, limiting hand movements.

This condition is more common in people with chronic cirrhosis and may be related to genetic factors, alcoholism, or diabetes.

Terry Nails

Terry's nails are characterized by a pale white nail color with only a thin pink stripe at the base. This is a sign that can be seen in people with cirrhosis, but also appears in patients with heart failure or diabetes.

The cause is due to changes in blood flow and protein concentration under the nails, reflecting liver dysfunction and other systemic diseases, requiring medical examination.

Nail deformities

Nail deformity is a condition in which the fingertips become larger and rounder and the nails curve downward; commonly seen in chronic liver disease, lung disease, or congenital heart disease.

The cause is chronic lack of oxygen in the blood, which changes the tissue in the fingertips. If this phenomenon persists, early medical examination is needed to determine the underlying cause, such as cirrhosis or chronic lung disease.

Itchy palms and soles

Persistent itching of the palms or feet, even without a rash, can be a sign of cholestasis — a blockage or reduced flow of bile in the liver.

Itching often increases at night, or after a hot bath, due to bile salts accumulating under the skin causing irritation. This symptom is common in people with cirrhosis, if prolonged can affect sleep, quality of life, and at the same time warn that the liver is impaired.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/gan-nhiem-mo-xo-gan-cac-dau-hieu-nhan-biet-tu-ban-tay-185251108164611938.htm