6 signs of fatty liver visible on a person’s body

Fatty liver is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver, which can sometimes lead to serious health problems. While it may not always show symptoms in the early stages, certain visible signs on the body can indicate this condition. The National Institute of Diabetics and Digestive and Kidney Diseases suggest that

NAFLD

is present in up to 75% of people who are overweight and in more than 90% of people who have severe obesity.
Recognising these symptoms early can aid in getting medical care and managing the situation. Here are 4 indicators you may observe on someone’s body that indicate a fatty liver.

Dark patches on the neck or underarms

Insulin resistance

is a disease that may be linked with fatty liver. Dark, velvety patches on the skin, particularly around the neck, underarms, or other body folds, might appear in people with insulin resistance. Acanthosis nigricans is a condition that should not be disregarded.

Swelling in the abdomen

A swollen or bloated abdomen, especially if it feels tight or uncomfortable, could be a sign of fatty liver. This swelling might seem very minor to you but a medical expert can clear all doubts around it. This happens when the liver’s function deteriorates, leading to fluid buildup in the abdominal area. Ascites can also cause visible veins on the stomach, signalling the need for medical attention.
In a data published in the NIH says that swelling abdomen is just one of the many complications that can manifest with fatty liver.

Puffiness in the face or feet

Fatty liver can cause

fluid retention

in the body, leading to puffiness or swelling in the face, feet, or ankles. This condition, known as edema, happens when the liver isn’t able to maintain the right balance of fluids in the body. If puffiness persists without a clear reason, it’s worth getting it checked.
According to a study done in 2017, anxiety, thirst, feeling of changing temperature, and bloating were the most common complaints of NAFLD.

Mild itchiness of the skin

In some cases itchy skin, mostly mild but persistent, can be a symptom of liver issues, including fatty liver. This happens because a buildup of bile salts in the bloodstream due to liver dysfunction can irritate the skin. If itchiness is unexplained and long-lasting, it may warrant a liver function test.