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Liver disease can sometimes develop without obvious symptoms, especially in its early stages. When signs do appear, some can be visible on the skin, eyes, or body—but none of these signs alone proves that someone has liver disease.
Visible signs that can occur
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Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice): Can happen when bilirubin builds up. It can also have causes unrelated to the liver.
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Abdominal swelling: Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) can occur in advanced liver disease.
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Swollen legs or ankles: Fluid retention can accompany significant liver dysfunction.
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Easy bruising or bleeding: Advanced liver disease can interfere with production of proteins involved in blood clotting.
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Spider-like blood vessels: Small, branching red vessels called spider angiomas can occur with chronic liver disease, although they can also occur in healthy people.
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Red palms (palmar erythema): Persistent redness of the palms can be associated with liver disease but isn’t specific to it.
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Itchy skin: Liver or bile-flow problems can sometimes cause widespread itching, even without a visible rash.
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Dark urine and unusually pale stools: Changes in bile processing can produce these findings.
When to get checked
If someone develops yellow skin or eyes, significant abdominal swelling, unexplained bleeding, confusion, or vomiting blood, they should receive medical attention promptly.
Liver disease is often identified more reliably through medical history, blood tests, and sometimes ultrasound or other imaging, rather than appearance alone.
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