Itchy Hands or Feet Could Signal Liver Health Issues.

If you find your hands or feet itching every night, it could be a sign of liver cirrhosis, a condition where the liver becomes hardened. Cirrhosis signifies a state where the liver is no longer in a healthy condition, often occurring after experiencing fatty liver and hepatitis. If left untreated for a long time, this condition can lead to liver cancer. Therefore, it's crucial to be vigilant about liver health, taking preventive measures promptly.

 

Since liver issues can lead to serious health problems, if itching in the hands and feet persists, seeking professional consultation is necessary.

 

What is Cirrhosis of the Liver?

Cirrhosis of the liver occurs when more than 5% of neutral fats accumulate in the liver, deviating from its healthy state. If inflammation is added to this condition, cirrhosis can occur. Cirrhosis arises from the impaired function of bile excretion in the liver, resulting in an increase in bile concentration in the bloodstream. This leads to itchiness in the hands and feet, especially worsening at night. This occurs as chemical compounds in the body increase at night, with a decrease in hormone secretion that suppresses such inflammatory responses.

 

What Signs of Liver Issues Should You Watch For?

Signs of liver issues include not only itching in the hands and feet but also jaundice or discoloration. Jaundice presents as yellowing of the eyes and skin, accompanied by darkening of urine. This results from pigmented bile being retained in the body, causing it to turn yellow. If these symptoms occur, seeking professional consultation immediately is necessary.

 

How to Prevent and Manage Liver Issues?

To prevent and manage liver issues, it's crucial to avoid excessive consumption of harmful substances like alcohol. Alcohol-related liver disease can recover liver function upon quitting alcohol. Additionally, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is closely related to obesity, so managing weight is vital. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through exercise for at least 30 minutes, at least twice a week, is advisable. Dietary adjustments to reduce fat intake and favoring boiled or baked foods over fried ones is beneficial.

 

Since liver issues can lead to serious health problems, if itching in the hands and feet persists, seeking professional consultation is necessary. Regular health management is crucial for maintaining a healthy liver, and periodic health check-ups are recommended to monitor liver health.