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WORLD LIVER Day is observed every year on April 19 across the globe to spread awareness regarding the importance of the liver as a vital organ of the body and diseases related to the liver. The liver is an accessory digestive organ that is responsible for producing bile, an alkaline fluid containing cholesterol and bile acids, which helps the breakdown of fat. It is the largest solid organ in the body which removes toxins from the body's blood supply, maintains healthy blood sugar levels, and regulates blood flow throughout the body.

What Is Fatty Liver?

Fatty liver is a common health condition which is caused by having too much fat build up in your liver. Most people have no symptoms, and it doesn’t cause serious problems for them. In some cases, though, it can lead to liver damage, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A healthy liver contains a small amount of fat. It becomes a problem when fat reaches 5 to 10 per cent of your liver’s weight. You can notice signs of fatty liver on your face as well. Therefore, we bring you a list of signs of fatty liver on your face, eyes and skin that you should not ignore and pay immediate attention to.

In an exclusive conversation with Dr Arvind K Khurana, Principal Director, Department of Gastroenterology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, we explored that fatty liver is common and affects 15 to 25 percent of people. This is most common in obese, diabetic, and people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. It can also be caused by drugs like steroids, anti-cancer, anti-depressant and amiodarone. 

Dr Vivek Vij Chairman, Liver Transplant, Fortis Hospital, Noida, gave insights on some of the early signs of liver damage which include chronic fatigue, nausea/vomiting, itchy skin, change in urine colour, and loss of appetite among many others. 

ALSO READ: Fatty Liver Disease: All You Need To Know About The Four Stages Of Hepatic Steatosis

Signs Of Fatty Liver On Your Face That You Must Not Avoid

1. Puffiness

Advanced liver disease can affect your liver’s ability to make proteins, which can impair your blood flow and fluid removal. As a result, you may notice your face appears slightly puffier, as per Healthline.

2. Rashes Around Mouth

Fatty liver disease can cause your body to not absorb certain nutrients as effectively. One such mineral is zinc. A common complication of zinc deficiency is dermatitis. It often presents as skin irritation around your mouth. The irritation looks like a rash that has small fluid-filled or solid-appearing bumps, states Healthline.

3. Rosacea

It is a common skin condition which causes blushing or flushing and visible blood vessels on your face. It may also produce small, pus-filled bumps. You may also notice small red blood vessels or white bumps on your face when you have rosacea, as per Healthline.

4. Itching

Itching caused by the fatty liver can be different from normal itching. According to Healthline, this disease can lead to skin itching, including on your face. The itching is mostly due to an excess of bile salts in your body.

5. Jaundice

Healthline states that advanced liver disease can also lead to jaundice, a condition which causes your skin and the whites of your eyes to appear yellow. Jaundice occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin, a yellow-orange pigment that’s a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells.

 

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)