In our daily health routines, we often overlook what our hands might be trying to tell us. But according to Dr Narander Singla, Lead Consultant – Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, subtle changes in the hands could actually be early indicators of fatty liver disease, a condition increasingly affecting people across all age groups—even those who don’t consume alcohol.
“Fatty liver isn’t always silent. Sometimes, the first warnings show up right on your skin—especially your hands,” says Dr Singla.
Warning signs on the hands that could point to liver trouble
One of the first red flags is palmar erythema, or reddening of the palms. “This occurs due to altered blood flow and hormonal imbalances as the liver begins to struggle,” explains Dr Singla.
Other telltale signs include:
- Itchy skin, especially on the hands, caused by accumulated bile salts in the blood
- Thin, dry skin that bruises easily due to nutrient deficiencies
- Spider angiomas—tiny, web-like blood vessels—appearing on the hands, arms, or face, often linked to excess estrogen
- Clubbing of the fingers, where the fingertips appear rounded and bulbous due to reduced oxygen levels
These symptoms may seem unrelated to liver health at first glance, but they offer crucial clues.
“When the liver is overburdened with fat, its filtering and hormone-regulating abilities diminish, leading to these secondary effects in the skin and blood vessels,” Dr Singla notes.
Each symptom is an indirect marker of liver dysfunction (Representative)
Why do these symptoms appear?
Fatty liver—especially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—is tied to metabolic dysfunction. The liver struggles to break down fats and hormones, leading to elevated estrogen levels and impaired bile filtration.
“Each symptom is an indirect marker of liver dysfunction,” says Dr Singla. “Red palms reflect altered circulation, spider angiomas signal hormone imbalance, and itchy skin points to poor bile processing.”
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Next steps: Don’t ignore the signals
If you spot these early symptoms, it’s not a cause for panic—but it is a reason to act.
“Consult a doctor and get your liver health evaluated,” urges Dr Singla. Tests may include blood work or imaging, such as an ultrasound, to check fat deposits and liver function.
The most effective treatment often begins at home:
- Lose weight gradually (even 5–10% can make a difference)
- Eat a liver-friendly diet: rich in fibre, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats
- Cut back on sugar and processed foods
- Avoid alcohol entirely
- Exercise regularly to improve insulin sensitivity
“Staying hydrated, avoiding unnecessary medications, and keeping cholesterol under control are also critical,” Dr Singla adds.
Who’s most at risk?
While anyone can develop fatty liver disease, some groups are especially vulnerable:
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- People who are overweight or obese
- Individuals with type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or metabolic syndrome
Even those who don’t drink alcohol, as NAFLD now accounts for 85% of fatty liver cases according to recent screenings
“New data shows that 65% of people screened had some degree of fatty liver, with lifestyle and metabolic factors being the primary culprits,” notes Dr Singla.
If you suspect fatty liver or are experiencing these hand-related symptoms, consult a doctor without delay. Lifestyle changes remain the cornerstone of treatment, but early diagnosis is essential to avoid complications like liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
