The liver is one of the largest and hardest-working organs in the human body. It plays a crucial role in keeping you healthy by filtering toxins from the blood, aiding digestion, storing energy, and performing hundreds of other vital tasks. When this powerhouse organ becomes damaged or starts to underperform, your body often gives off warning signs, and some of the earliest clues can show up on your skin.Liver disease is a progressive condition that, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis or liver failure. The good news is that catching it early makes a big difference. According to experts, there are visible skin changes you can notice yourself that might hint at underlying liver trouble.Here are four skin-related signs that could point to liver disease and why they happen, as per Dr Saurabh Sethi, MD, MPH, board-certified gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and interventional endoscopist trained at AIIMS, Harvard and Stanford.Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes (Jaundice)This is perhaps the most well-known sign of liver issues. Jaundice occurs when bilirubin, a yellowish pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells, builds up in the body. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and flushes it out. But when the liver is damaged or inflamed, this process is disrupted, leading to yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. If you or someone you know notices this change, it’s a strong signal to get checked.Spider Angiomas (Spider-like Blood Vessels)These are small, web-like clusters of dilated blood vessels that often appear on the face, neck, upper chest, or arms. They get their name because they resemble tiny red spiders just under the surface of the skin. In liver disease, they tend to appear due to increased estrogen levels in the body, which the liver normally helps regulate. Their presence could be more than just a cosmetic concern—it may be a sign of liver dysfunction.Palmar Erythema (Red Palms)Palmar erythema refers to redness and sometimes swelling of the palms, particularly around the base of the thumb and little finger. This condition is also linked to elevated estrogen levels in the bloodstream and increased blood flow, both of which may result from impaired liver function. It can be a subtle symptom that’s easy to miss, but it’s worth noting if it persists without another explanation.Unexplained Itching, Especially at NightIf you're experiencing persistent itching that doesn’t seem to have a clear cause, and particularly if it gets worse at night, it could be linked to liver disease. This type of itching often stems from the buildup of bile salts under the skin, which happens when the liver struggles to eliminate waste properly. Unlike typical skin conditions, liver-related itching usually doesn't come with a rash, which makes it even trickier to identify. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saurabh Sethi (@doctor.sethi)]]>Understanding Liver Disease and Its StagesChronic liver disease doesn’t develop overnight. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it typically progresses through four key stages: hepatitis (inflammation), fibrosis (mild scarring), cirrhosis (advanced scarring), and eventually liver failure if left untreated.Globally, liver disease is responsible for around 2 million deaths each year, roughly 4 percent of all deaths. In the U.S., it affects about 4.5 million adults, with men being diagnosed almost twice as often as women.Why Early Detection MattersMany symptoms of liver disease can be subtle or easily mistaken for other conditions. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to changes in your body, especially your skin. If you notice any of these signs, consider speaking to a healthcare provider. Early detection and proper management can help prevent the disease from progressing and protect your long-term health.