What are the manifestations of liver palms?
Generally, the main manifestations of liver palms include palmar erythema, color changes, temperature changes, finger swelling, and dry skin. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Palmar Erythema
In patients with liver palms, especially at the base of the thumb and little finger (the thenar and hypothenar eminences), there is noticeable reddening of the skin. These areas may exhibit patchy congestion, red spots, or patches with irregular shapes and indistinct borders. This occurs due to impaired liver function leading to elevated levels of estrogen in the body, which stimulates dilation of the capillaries.
2. Color Changes
The color changes associated with liver palms are closely related to the severity of liver disease. In patients with more severe illness, the redness of the palms typically is more pronounced. When pressure is applied locally, the redness fades to a pale color, and then returns to redness once the pressure is released. This color change is caused by variations in capillary dilation and congestion.
3. Temperature Changes
Patients with liver palms often feel warmth in their palms, which may be due to increased blood flow resulting from capillary dilation. Particularly in the evening, patients may experience a more pronounced sensation of warmth in their palms.
4. Finger Swelling
Duing episodes of liver palms, patients may experience swelling of the fingers. This is due to impaired liver function leading to fluid retention in the body, which affects the patient's daily life and work.
5. Dry Skin
As the liver is unable to properly metabolize toxins and waste products, it may lead to accumulation of toxins within the body, which affects skin health. The skin on the palms may become dry, and patients may experience discomfort such as itching and peeling.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle and dietary habits and avoiding exposure to harmful substances are important. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding staying up late, ensuring adequate sleep, and maintaining a balanced diet can help maintain liver health and reduce the risk of developing liver palms.