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Fatty liver disease is a condition in which fat accumulates in your liver. There are two forms of fatty liver disease: alcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is often referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). NAFLD commonly occurs in people who consume little to no alcohol.
The illness is especially common among overweight or obese people. According to recent statistics from the Apollo Hospitals Health of the Nation Report 2024, 65% of over 2.5 lakh individuals evaluated had fatty liver disease, with non-alcoholic causes accounting for 85% of these cases.
The symptoms of fatty liver disease may be subtle, and they can be dismissed as common conditions. However, if you have them on a regular basis, you should seek medical attention. Identifying symptoms early on can aid in diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Here are some of the symptoms of fatty liver disease that may manifest on your hands.
Red Palms
Also known as palmar erythema, it is one of the initial noticeable signs of fatty liver disease. In this, the palms appear unusually red, especially around the base of the thumb and little finger. This occurs due to altered blood flow and hormonal imbalances caused by liver dysfunction.
Itchy Skin
Fatty liver can cause itchiness on the skin, including the hands. This happens when bile salts, which are not properly processed by a damaged liver, accumulate in the bloodstream and deposit under the skin, causing irritation and persistent itching.
Thin and Fragile Skin
Liver problems can result in nutrient deficiencies, leading to thinner and more fragile skin on the hands. This makes the skin more prone to bruises, tears and dryness, all of which indicate impaired collagen production and poor healing ability.
Spider Angiomas
These are small, spider-web-like clusters of blood vessels that may appear on the hands, arms and face. They occur when the liver fails to metabolise oestrogen properly, leading to vascular changes. Their appearance is often a warning sign of advanced liver disease.
Clubbing of Fingers
In advanced cases of liver disease, the fingertips can become bulbous and rounded, a condition known as clubbing. This symptom is linked to reduced oxygen levels in the blood and indicates serious underlying issues like cirrhosis or liver fibrosis.
Source: InTv
