Your skin is a reflection of your inner and exterior wellness. Everything that happens on the inside manifests on the outside, which for many people manifests as dullness, itching, or sagging. You may be aware that your digestive system has an impact on your skin, but have you considered the liver’s impact on your skin? What skin problems are related to liver disease?
If you’ve ever experienced a chronic itch, bruise, or discoloration on your skin, you may have a liver problem. Some of the possible side effects of liver illness include itching, hyperpigmentation, and spider veins.
People who have clear, glowing skin are generally envied. Aside from a nutritious diet and adequate sun protection, their genetic secret may be attributable in a major part to their exceptionally healthy liver function.
This article will focus on this organ and how it aids in the removal of toxins from your body, and how this may influence your complexion. More importantly, we will provide information on the best ways to protect your liver and skin from injury.
Why Is the Liver So Hugely important?
This organ is vital for several reasons, including:
- It is what keeps you alive and healthy. If it stopped working properly, you’d only be alive for two days!
- It can renew entirely, which is why you can donate pieces of it to others and it will recover to its original size in 8 to 15 days.
- Cleanses the body of potentially hazardous toxins that could impair your health.
- Essential for a variety of tasks (such as blood clotting and blood sugar management) that are essential for overall health.
- It accounts for around 13% of your body’s blood supply.
Skin Symptoms of Liver Damage
The early signs of a faulty liver are frequently visible on your skin. The following are some of the early liver warning signs:
1. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes
This is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a waste substance, as a result of your liver not properly metabolizing it.
2. Dermatitis
Itchy, flaky, and irritated skin characterizes this disorder. Rashes on the face, hands, and feet, as well as the backs of the knees, can occur. Aside from itching and pain, eczema can be an indication of poor liver function.
3. Dry, itchy skin (pruritus)
Itchy skin, often known as pruritus, can be caused by bile products depositing in the dermis rather than being eliminated by the liver. Itching is one of the early symptoms of cirrhosis.
4. Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT)
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda is a skin ailment that produces painful blisters, scarring, skin color changes, and sun sensitivity. It is caused by a buildup of proteins known as porphyrins in the liver, which enter the circulation and wreak havoc on your skin. PCT may necessitate clinical treatment from a doctor.
The disease of the Fatty Liver
When too much fat is accumulated in the cells of this crucial organ, severe illness develops. It produces symptoms such as tiredness and stomach ache.
This chronic liver illness is associated with skin inflammation and itching. Pruritus (itchy skin) is a symptom that can be difficult to treat. Itching is frequently worse on the hands and feet.
Other issues associated with these types of liver disorders include:
- Spider angiomas are dilated blood vessel collections that often develop on the face. They are reddish and may be slightly elevated.
- Bier spots are darker, irregularly shaped patches that vanish when pressure is applied.
- Bruising or Bleeding – Excessive bruising or bleeding might be caused by a faulty liver.
- Palmar erythema is a reddening of the palms and fingertips that is frequently caused by liver disease. This is unpleasant, but it should not itch.
Chronic Liver Illness
Aside from skin problems, prolonged liver impairment can lead to a variety of serious and even fatal disorders.
Hepatitis C Virus
- Hepatitis C is a liver inflammation caused by the infectious hepatitis C virus. This virus is typically disseminated through the use of infected needles and drug usage. Alcohol consumption can exacerbate the symptoms of hepatitis C.
- Chronic hepatitis C can begin with few to no symptoms but progress to severe disease and cirrhosis over time, necessitating therapeutic care. One of the first physical signs of hepatitis C is chronic weariness.
- Hepatitis A, B, and D are all diseases that harm this critical organ, but they are all avoidable by vaccination.
Wilson’s Syndrome
This is a hereditary condition that causes copper accumulation in several important organs.
Cirrhosis
Excessive alcohol drinking can be harmful since it converts good tissue into scar tissue. This is referred to as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can cause jaundice or other conditions that cause itching of the skin.
Cancer of the Liver
People with hepatitis B or C, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or diabetes are at risk for this type of cancer.
How Can You Safeguard Your Liver?
The best thing you can do to lower your risk of hepatitis C, cirrhosis, pruritus, infection, or other illnesses associated with this organ is to avoid foods and drinks that can cause liver disease.
Your complexion will benefit as well because you will reduce the likelihood of irritation, itching, or bruising. These are some examples:
- Alcohol – Excessive alcohol intake can cause inflammation, the release of harmful compounds, and scarring of the liver.
- Soft drinks – Excessive intake of soft drinks (soda) can lead to disease.
- Processed foods contain harmful fats (trans fats) and preservatives (such as nitrates) that can contribute to disease.
- Trans oil, hydrogenated oil, and trans fats can all cause excess fat to be accumulated in the liver.
- Bad sugars – Glucose, fructose, and artificial sugars (such as Splenda) can all cause fatty accumulation in the liver and itchy skin. There are, however, alternatives; for more information, see our blog on healthy sugar.
When Should You See A Doctor?
If you feel you have a liver infection or condition, consult your doctor for more information, professional medical advice, and treatment.
Viral hepatitis can be treated; after reviewing your symptoms, your doctor will usually prescribe antiviral medicines to cure the illness.
Cirrhosis necessitates alcoholism treatment, weight loss, drugs, and long-term maintenance. Cirrhosis cannot be reversed, however, if treated early, preventative measures can be implemented. Your doctor will also provide you with pertinent health information regarding long-term symptom management.
Finally, Natural Ways to Cleanse and Detox Your Liver
Try to keep your body healthy with the correct nutrition to lower the chance of disease and itching or painful skin disorders. Vegetable juices can assist you to cleanse, and you’ll also want supplements with components that have been shown to detox and boost liver functions.
1. Healthy Juices
Cleanse daily using juices made from vegetables like beets, greens, ginger, and carrots. Beet juice, for example, includes betaine, which aids in the reduction of fatty deposits that can lead to disease.
2. Workout
Obesity is frequently associated with liver illness, and exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight.
3. Consume Plenty of Water
Toxins are flushed out by the water, which helps maintain your important organs healthy.
4. Increase Glutathione Level
The mother of all antioxidants is glutathione. It is a liver-produced antioxidant that promotes general health.
5. Consume Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Clinical studies demonstrate that antioxidants help to reduce oxidative stress (an imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals) in your organs, which can cause cell damage. Free radicals are unstable atoms that cause harm to bodily cells.
