How to recognize liver problems by external signs## Translated from Russian to English

The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It is responsible for filtering toxins, metabolism, protein synthesis, and many other processes. When the liver begins to malfunction, the body sends signals that can be noticed with the naked eye. Many of them appear on the skin, face, nails, or even in behavior.

Yellowing of skin and eyes
An alarming signal of liver malfunction is the characteristic yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. This phenomenon is associated with excessive accumulation of bilirubin in the body. Normally, the liver should effectively process and eliminate this substance, but when there are disruptions, bilirubin accumulates in tissues, coloring them in a yellowish tint.

Darkening of urine and light-colored stool

A concerning sign is a sharp change in the color of excretions: urine acquires a rich dark yellow or brown tint, while stool, on the contrary, becomes unusually light, almost whitish. These changes indicate disruptions in the excretion of bile pigments, which is often observed in diseases of the liver and bile ducts.

Rash and itching

Liver malfunctions often manifest on the skin in the form of itching and various rashes. Spider angiomas appearing on the chest and face are especially characteristic. The skin can become excessively dry, flaky, and cause discomfort.

Swelling and dark circles under the eyes

When liver function decreases, fluid begins to be retained in the body. The result is noticeable swelling of the legs, face, and especially pronounced bags under the eyes. Notably, such swelling does not disappear after a night's rest and tends to worsen over time.

Nail abnormalities

The condition of nails can tell a lot about liver health. When there are problems, nail plates become brittle, characteristic white spots or longitudinal ridges appear on them. In some cases, even the shape of the nails changes - they become convex or acquire a wavy structure.

Redness of the palms

A striking symptom of liver disorders is the so-called "liver palms." They acquire an intense red color, often accompanied by itching or burning. This phenomenon is associated with hormonal imbalance and circulatory disorders caused by liver dysfunction.

Unpleasant body odor and bad breath

The liver plays a key role in neutralizing ammonia and other toxins. When this process is disrupted, harmful substances begin to be released through the skin and breath. The result is a specific "liver" odor, which has sweet notes and sometimes resembles the smell of raw meat.

Constant fatigue and apathy

Even without obvious physical manifestations, a person with liver problems often experiences chronic fatigue, lethargy, and loss of interest in what is happening around them. These conditions are directly related to metabolic disorders, decreased detoxification function, and insuffi