Symptom 14. The Subtle Change: Palmar Erythema
Palmar erythema, characterized by a mild redness on the palms, is one such sign. It’s easy to overlook, often mistaken for a minor skin issue or a cosmetic irregularity. But this seemingly insignificant redness could be a crucial clue to a more grave underlying health condition – liver cirrhosis.
So, what causes this reddening of palms? The answer lies in capillary dilation. Under normal circumstances, the blood vessels in your palms constrict and dilate in response to temperature changes, physical exertion, and emotional states. In the case of palmar erythema, these capillaries remain persistently dilated, causing a red hue to appear on the palms. This occurs as the liver’s functionality diminishes due to cirrhosis, leading to an imbalance in the hormones responsible for blood vessel regulation.
Palmar erythema, much like many other symptoms of cirrhosis, is under-recognized and frequently underestimated. It’s easy to write off the symptom, especially when it’s often painless and does not cause any direct discomfort. Yet, the presence of this symptom serves as a reminder that liver cirrhosis is not always accompanied by dramatic signs. The silent disease often manifests in these subtle ways, making early detection challenging.
While palmar erythema can seem harmless, it typically indicates a more advanced stage of cirrhosis. This sign tends to show up when the liver disease has progressed to the point where the liver is significantly compromised, struggling to perform its various functions. As such, the appearance of palmar erythema is not to be brushed aside.(14)
