Take care of your liver health
Liver is an integral organ of the body, carrying more than 500 important bodily functions. The liver helps to break down the food you eat to convert into energy and also removes toxins from your blood. A problem with the liver can mean a problem for your overall health. One such condition is fatty liver disease which is caused by an accumulation of fat in the liver.
What happens in severe damage?
In most cases, fatty liver disease, also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, does not present itself with symptoms during the early stages. As the disease develops, it can start showing signs across the body.
Fatty liver disease develops in four stages and the fourth and final stage is known as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver caused by continuous, long-term liver damage, according to the NHS UK.
Symptoms on your skin
Some people with cirrhosis of the liver will notice four changes to their skin. These include:
- Itchy skin
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Tiny red lines on the skin above waist level
- Easy bruising
Other signs of liver cirrhosis
Apart from the following signs on the skin, one may also experience the following symptoms:
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain around the liver area
- Frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- Hair loss
- Fever and shivering attacks
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet and abdomen
It is important to consult your doctor if you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms.
Risk factors
There are several risk factors that can put you at higher risk of developing fatty liver disease. These include being obese or overweight, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance such as in polycystic ovary syndrome, underactive thyroid, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, being over the age of 50 and smoking.
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Cirrhosis can be fatal
The damage caused by cirrhosis is severe and cannot be reversed. If not treated timely to slow the progression, it can eventually become so extensive that your liver stops functioning. This is called liver failure, which can be fatal. However, it usually takes years for the condition to reach this stage. Getting timely treatment is essential to improve your chances.
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