Jade Small
Jade Small
March 26, 2024 ·  5 min read

Signs of Fatty Liver Disease That Show Up in Your Face

A hidden health problem, fatty liver disease can have a wide range of repercussions on the body, some of which may even be subtle enough to show up on the face. Increased obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles are contributing to the prevalence of this illness, which is characterized by excess fat accumulated in liver cells. The fact is that fatty liver disease often does not become apparent at an early stage. However, the symptoms mentioned below can act as a warning or at least as a sign that it is time to see a physician. This inquiry is about the following metrics too, as well as their background, required data, and other details.

Fatty Liver Disease Classifications

Doctor with human Liver anatomy model. Liver cancer and Tumor, Jaundice, Viral Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, Cirrhosis, Failure, Enlarged, Hepatic Encephalopathy, Ascites Fluid in Belly and health concept
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The two major classifications of fatty liver disease are alcohol-related fatty liver disease ( AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NFLD), known as. Notwithstanding the fact that the innovative mechanisms of the two diseases are their original, liver damage is their endpoint. Increased fatty liver is a condition that can progress to the point of other more serious liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatic cancer, if not managed. This is the reason why it is necessary to catch it at an early stage because you do not get any signs or symptoms.

Rightly, fatty liver disease can be considered as one of the conditions that can lead to some facial symptoms such as facial swelling. In spite of the fact that these symptoms reportedly do not give a diagnostic conclusion, they contribute to the process of scientific research. It must be borne in mind that a diagnosis is not accurate only when the facial symptoms are considered besides other symptoms and examination by the doctor.

1. Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes

Woman with yellow eyes on light grey background. Symptom of hepatitis
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Jaundice is one of the most well-known symptoms that might point to liver problems, including fatty liver disease. The accumulation of bilirubin, a yellow pigment created after the destruction of red blood cells, is the cause of this illness. Bilirubin can build up in the liver when it is unable to be processed properly, giving the skin and whites of the eyes a yellowish hue.

Spider angiomas are tiny veins that resemble spiders that can develop on the face and other body areas. They are caused by the expansion of microscopic blood vessels, and the hormonal abnormalities that might arise from liver illness are associated with their emergence. While many spider angiomas are not indicative of liver problems, they can also be observed in healthy persons.

2. Puffy Eyes 

Sleepless Asian woman looking her face in the mirror and worry about dark circles under eyes
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Although there are numerous reasons for puffiness around the eyes, fluid retention or problems with the kidneys resulting from liver illness are two possible connections in the context of liver health. While this symptom by itself does not necessarily indicate fatty liver, when paired with other symptoms, it may be worth a check-up.

3. Paler or Darker Skin Patches

Red face, skin discoloration, broken blood vessels, health problems
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Hepatic illness may occasionally be linked to variations in skin tone, including paler or darker skin patches. These alterations could be brought on by hormone and enzyme abnormalities brought on by liver disease.

4. The Dark Skin at the Neck Crease

Aging skin folds or creases or wrinkles at neck of Southeast Asian, Chinese man. Concept of sore throat, pharyngitis or laryngitis.
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Increased insulin resistance, or the inability of your body to utilize insulin as intended, might be a result of fatty liver disease. The accumulation of extra insulin in your body, as a result, may lead to a disorder known as acanthosis nigricans. Skin folds, like the wrinkle on your neck, darken as a result of this disorder.

5. Rosacea

A close up view on the face of a young caucasian lady, suffering from a severe case of rosacea, with facial redness and dilated blood vessels of the eyelids, nose and cheeks.
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Rosacea is a skin disorder that can give you extremely red skin. When you have rosacea, you can also detect little red blood vessels or white lumps on your face. Rosacea may be an indicator of fatty liver disease, even though not everyone who has it gets it.

6. A Rash Surrounding Your Mouth

red rash on the face, red spots around the mouth, allergic disease
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Some chronic liver illnesses, such as fatty liver disease, can impair your body’s ability to absorb specific nutrients. Zinc is one such mineral. Numerous NAFLD patients are zinc deficient. According to a 2022 reviewTrusted Source, dermatitis is a frequent side effect of zinc insufficiency. It frequently manifests as skin irritation around the mouth area. The discomfort resembles a rash with tiny pimples that appear solid or packed with fluid.

7. Itching

Dermatology, puberty asian young woman, girl looking into mirror, allergy presenting an allergic reaction from cosmetic, red spot or rash on face. Beauty care from skin problem by medical treatment.
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Itching on your skin, including your face, might be a symptom of fatty liver disease. The main cause of the itching is your body’s overabundance of bile salts. Typically, scratching does not relieve inflammation and could instead exacerbate it.

8. Jaundice

Woman checking her health condition on grey background. Yellow eyes as symptom of problems with liver
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Jaundice may be a sign of advanced liver disease. The whites of your eyes and skin seem yellow when you have this illness. Jaundice typically starts in the eyes and face and works its way throughout the body. An overabundance of bilirubin, a yellow-orange pigment produced as red blood cell destruction, results in jaundice. Insufficient liver function results in an accumulation of bilirubin, which turns your skin yellow.

It is imperative that you handle these indicators with prudence. Many are due to lifestyle factors or other problems unrelated to liver function. For example, hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause spider angiomas, while allergies or sleep deprivation can cause puffiness around the eyes.

Facial Signs, Not Liver Certainty

Unhappy woman Looking in the Mirror Feeling Overwhelmed. Bored millennial girl puffing being tired and insecure
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In summary, certain facial expressions may indicate underlying liver problems, such as fatty liver disease, but they do not provide conclusive evidence of the illness. It’s imperative that you see a doctor if you experience these symptoms, particularly if they coexist with additional symptoms like exhaustion, stomach pain, or unexplained weight loss. Interventions that stop the illness’s progression and protect liver health can result from the early discovery of fatty liver disease.

Preventing fatty liver and its possible symptoms still requires leading a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and frequent exercise. For additional details regarding liver health, view the findings of recent research suggesting that vitamin D may help prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and that an anti-inflammatory diet may help prevent fatty liver disease.

This content has, in part, been generated with the aid of an artificial intelligence language model. While we strive for accuracy and quality, please note that the information provided may not be entirely error-free or up-to-date. We recommend independently verifying the content and consulting with professionals for specific advice or information. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the use or interpretation of this content.