Signs from the skin warn of liver problems

Viral hepatitis is inflammation and damage to the liver caused by viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses.

Of these, hepatitis B and C viruses are transmitted through blood, unsafe sex and from mother to child. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) often cause chronic diseases and have complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, which are highly fatal.

Signs from the skin warn of liver problems - 1

Jaundice/yellow eyes are a very recognizable warning sign of hepatitis (Photo: Shutterstock).

Alarming numbers

Chronic viral hepatitis causes 1.3 million deaths each year with 8,000 new infections each day. Hepatitis B and C are two silent diseases that are also the main causes of liver cancer and cirrhosis.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 254 million people living with hepatitis B worldwide. The number of people with hepatitis C is 50 million. Every day, approximately 6,000 people are diagnosed with viral hepatitis worldwide and 3,500 die. The alarming thing is that this alarming number continues to increase.

Vietnam is identified as one of the 10 countries with the highest number of people infected with hepatitis B and C in the world, with about 6.5 million people infected with hepatitis B and 900,000 people infected with hepatitis C.

In Vietnam, liver cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, with 90% of cases related to hepatitis B and C. However, many people only discover they have the disease at a late stage, significantly reducing the effectiveness of treatment and increasing the risk of serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The danger is that the hepatitis virus can live in the body for years without causing symptoms or easily confused symptoms such as fatigue, decreased energy or general weakness; muscle and joint aches; abdominal pain; nausea, vomiting; decreased appetite; dark urine and pale stools; jaundice...

Signs of liver disease through the skin

Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a leading gastroenterologist in California (USA), has pointed out 4 signs on the skin that can warn of liver dysfunction that can be easily recognized at home.

Yellow skin and eyes

Jaundice is the most common and recognizable sign of liver disease. This condition occurs when the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow due to a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells.

Normally, the liver is responsible for processing and removing bilirubin through stool and urine. However, when the liver fails to function, bilirubin builds up in the blood, leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes.

This is a serious sign, requiring immediate medical examination to determine the cause and timely treatment, avoiding dangerous complications.

Spider web blood vessels

Another sign of liver dysfunction is the appearance of spider veins. These are small, dilated blood vessels that resemble a spider web with a central point and radiating branches, often appearing on the face, neck, or chest.

According to Dr. Sethi, this phenomenon occurs due to increased estrogen levels in the body. This is a result of the liver not being able to metabolize the hormone effectively.

If you notice these unusual red spots, especially if they appear with other symptoms, have your liver checked to determine the cause.

Palmar erythema

This sign is often easily overlooked because it is confused with skin diseases or physical activity.

This condition is caused by increased blood flow and estrogen levels, both of which are associated with liver dysfunction. This symptom may not be obvious, but if it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult a doctor to evaluate your liver condition.

Itchy skin

Itching of the skin, especially severe itching at night, is another important sign of liver disease. Unlike itching caused by dry skin or allergies, itching caused by liver disease is often persistent and can seriously affect quality of life.

This condition occurs due to the accumulation of bile salts under the skin when the liver cannot excrete them effectively. If the itching persists or is accompanied by signs such as jaundice, spider veins or red palms, it is a warning that requires immediate medical attention, says Dr. Sethi.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/nhung-dau-hieu-tu-lan-da-bao-dong-gan-co-van-de-20250728132457147.htm