Cutaneous Manifestations of Chronic Liver Disease

Clin Liver Dis. 2020 Aug;24(3):351-360. doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2020.04.003. Epub 2020 May 29.

Abstract

Given the visibility of cutaneous findings, skin manifestations are often a presenting symptom of underlying systemic disease, including chronic liver disease. Many cutaneous signs and symptoms that correlate with chronic liver disease are common physical examination findings in patients with no history of liver disease. It is nonetheless important to be aware that these cutaneous findings may be an indication of underlying liver disease and often occur in the setting of such hepatic dysfunction. This article covers general cutaneous signs that may correlate with various liver diseases and describes specific cutaneous signs as they relate to more specific liver diseases.

Keywords: Cirrhosis; Cutaneous manifestations; Jaundice; Liver disease; Pruritus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Erythema / etiology
  • Hand Dermatoses / etiology
  • Hemangioma / etiology
  • Hemochromatosis / complications
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / complications
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / complications
  • Humans
  • Jaundice / etiology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / complications
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / complications
  • Liver Diseases / complications*
  • Pruritus / etiology
  • Skin Diseases / etiology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology
  • Xanthomatosis / etiology