1. Facial swelling
When the liver is healthy, this organ produces lymphatic fluid to help transport nutrients and eliminate excess fluids. However, in people with severe fatty liver, this function is disrupted, causing fluid to accumulate in tissues. As a result, the face may be swollen, and a similar situation may also appear in other areas of the body.
2. Rosacea
This is a condition that causes redness, often appearing on the cheeks, nose and forehead. Patients may experience manifestations such as prominent blood vessels, pustules or thickened skin in the nose; some cases are accompanied by eye irritation, light sensitivity. Rosacea is associated with metabolic syndrome - a risk factor for fatty liver disease related to metabolic disorders (MASLD). Some studies show that fatty liver can affect hair follicles control genes, contributing to redness.
3. Jade
Jaundice occurs when bilirubin - the yellow pigment produced from the process of destroying red blood cells is not effectively treated by the liver. When fatty liver disease progresses severely or becomes cirrhosis, bilirubin accumulates in the blood, causing jaundice, yellow eyes or mucous membranes. This is a sign that liver function has significantly declined.
4. Skin pigmentation changes
Skin pigmentation can change, making the skin mothly or gray, especially around the eyes, mouth, or under the nose. Skin areas in folds such as the neck can be darker due to insulin resistance - a factor related to type 2 diabetes. In fact, many people with MASLD also have type 2 diabetes.
5. Skin irritation
People with fatty liver can experience itchy, dry or swollen skin. The cause may be biliary retention - disorder of bile flow. When the liver is damaged, bile acid accumulates in the blood, stimulating the nerves and causing itching in many areas of the body, including the face.
6. Facial rash
Rash is a change in skin color, texture or sensation. This condition may be related to micronutrient deficiency such as vitamin C or zinc. In people with chronic liver disease, zinc metabolism is reduced, leading to rash, peeling, or the appearance of ulcers around the mouth.
7. Spider vein dilation
These are small blood vessels clearly visible under the skin, shaped like spider webs with blue, red or purple colors, often appearing on the face, neck, chest or arms. Although often harmless, the appearance of many spider web veins may be a sign of progressive fatty liver disease. When the disease progresses to the fatty liver hepatitis or fibrosis stage, the process of forming new blood vessels is activated, leading to this phenomenon.
Facial expressions can be early warning signs of fatty liver disease or related complications. Early identification helps patients proactively examine and treat promptly.
