Under normal circumstances, the liver repairs itself by making new liver cells and attaching them to the web of connective tissues where the old cells died. However, with chronic inflammation, scar tissues can develop faster than new liver cells are produced. Chronic liver diseases tend to progress silently over many years before noticeable symptoms develop. Once your healthcare provider has diagnosed cirrhosis, they’ll also check for common side effects.
- Cancer is often treatable, especially when a person receives an early diagnosis.
- You may experience severe dry skin (xerosis) if you have cirrhosis.
- This is the point at which the loss of liver function has become life-threatening.
- At this point, the extent of the damage to the liver is too much to recover from.
Infection
You may experience severe dry skin (xerosis) if you have cirrhosis. This may be due to your liver being unable to metabolize vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin. However, cirrhosis often has no symptoms in its early stages. Skin and other symptoms may only develop after your liver is seriously damaged. People with cirrhosis may experience skin symptoms such as rashes, changes in color, or paper money skin. It’s important to see a doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
Risk factors
The viruses that cause liver damage can be spread through blood or semen, bad food or water, or close contact with a person who is infected. Jaundice is a condition marked by yellowing of the leg bruising liver disease skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. It occurs when there’s a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. Fatty liver disease happens when there’s excess fat in the liver.
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During the early stages of liver disease, there may not be noticeable signs or symptoms, but as the condition progresses symptoms may appear. A person may be able to help prevent liver damage by maintaining a moderate weight, limiting alcohol use, and treating underlying conditions, such as hepatitis C. When this occurs, scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, leading to symptoms and possibly liver failure. While the underlying causes of chronic liver diseases differ, the one condition they all share is chronic inflammation.
- Over time, inflammation leads to liver tissue scarring or fibrosis, impacting its function.
- For instance, treating alcohol addiction, losing weight, and using medications to treat viral hepatitis and other conditions can limit damage to the liver.
- To diagnose unexplained bruising on the legs, a doctor will perform a physical examination and ask the person about whether or not they have a family history of bruising.
Chronic liver failure occurs due to liver damage that develops slowly over time. The early stages of liver disease may be reversible before it progresses to cirrhosis. This is especially the case with liver fibrosis, where scarring has started to occur but isn’t yet permanent. According to 2018 statistics, 4.5 million adults in America have a liver disease diagnosis.
Too many toxins can overwhelm your liver’s resources and ability to function. This can happen temporarily or over a long period of time. Sign up for free, and receive liver transplant and decompensated cirrhosis content, plus expertise on liver health.
