Is redness of the palms equivalent to liver palms?
Jan 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, red palms are not necessarily a sign of liver palms. Liver palms refer to patchy congestion, red spots, or blotches appearing on the skin of the thenar and hypothenar eminences at the bases of the thumb and little finger; these changes become pale upon pressure. This manifestation is commonly associated with liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis and is considered one of the important clinical signs of these conditions.
Redness of the palms is not necessarily a sign of liver palms. A detailed explanation is as follows:
Liver palms refer to patchy redness, red spots, or patches on the skin at the base of the thumb and little finger (the thenar and hypothenar eminences of the palm), which turn pale when pressed. This manifestation is usually associated with liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis and is considered one of the important clinical signs of these conditions. The development of liver palms is related to impaired hepatic metabolism and inactivation of estrogen. When liver function is compromised, estrogen accumulates in the body, stimulating capillary arterial congestion and dilation, thereby forming liver palms.
Although liver palms indeed present as red palms, there are multiple causes for palm redness. Red palms can also be caused by local friction or pressure, excessive heat stimulation, eczema, contact dermatitis, hypertension, diabetes, and other conditions. Therefore, red palms alone cannot be used to diagnose liver palms; a comprehensive evaluation including other symptoms, signs, and liver function tests is necessary.
If redness of the palms occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention for a complete examination to determine the specific cause and receive appropriate treatment based on the physician's diagnosis.
