Fatty liver disease is becoming more common, often developing quietly without any early warning signs. It happens when fat builds up in the liver. This is closely linked to rising rates of obesity, poor diets, and lack of exercise.
There are two main types of fatty liver disease. One is alcohol-related fatty liver disease (AFLD), caused by drinking too much alcohol. The other is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which affects people who drink little or no alcohol.
NAFLD is often related to being overweight, having diabetes, or eating an unhealthy diet. Even though the causes are different, both types can lead to serious liver damage if they are not treated.
At first, fatty liver disease usually doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. But if it gets worse, it can turn into liver scarring (called fibrosis), cirrhosis, or even liver cancer. That’s why it’s important to catch it early. While blood tests and scans are needed for a proper diagnosis, some changes in the face might offer early clues that something is wrong.
One possible sign is yellowing of the eyes or skin, known as jaundice. This happens when the liver can’t get rid of a substance called bilirubin. As it builds up, the skin and whites of the eyes can start to look yellow. Jaundice is more common in later stages of liver disease, but if you notice it, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
Another possible sign is spider angiomas. These are small red spots with lines spreading out from them, like a spider’s web. They are small clusters of blood vessels and can appear on the face or other parts of the body.
These may form because of hormone changes linked to liver problems. While they can also appear during pregnancy or in healthy people, having many of them might mean there’s a problem with the liver.
Puffy eyes are another change to watch for. This can be caused by many things, such as not getting enough sleep or allergies. But in some cases, puffiness may be due to fluid buildup, which can happen if the liver and kidneys aren’t working properly.
While puffy eyes alone don’t mean you have liver disease, they might be a sign when combined with other symptoms.
Changes in skin color, such as patches that are lighter or darker than usual, may also suggest liver problems. These changes can be caused by shifts in hormones and other substances that the liver usually helps regulate.
It’s important to remember that these signs don’t always mean you have liver disease. For example, spider veins or puffy eyes can appear for many harmless reasons. But if these changes happen along with other symptoms—like tiredness, weight loss without trying, or discomfort in your belly—it’s worth seeing a doctor.
The good news is that fatty liver disease can often be reversed if it’s caught early. Making healthy lifestyle changes, like eating a balanced diet, exercising more, and keeping a healthy weight, can make a big difference.
If you notice any lasting changes in your face—like yellow skin, spider veins, or puffiness—especially if you also feel unwell, it might be your body’s way of telling you to check on your liver health. Getting help early can prevent more serious problems later and help you stay healthy.
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