Silent Fatty Liver: 6 Skin Changes That Mean Your Liver Is Struggling

Fatty liver is a 'silent' condition that is impacting India on a large scale. As of 2026 as per a study in the Lancet Journal, India has become the third most impacted country in the world, as about 30 to 40% of India's adult population is affected by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD for short. But to understand why this disease has become so rampant in India, fatty liver as a disease needs to be looked at closely. Fatty liver is a health condition wherein fat deposits around the liver lead to liver inflammation and damage. There are basically two types of fatty liver disease: one is alcohol-related, while the other is non-alcohol-related.

The possible causes behind non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease are obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, high heart risk factors, a stagnant lifestyle, and poor dietary choices. According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, fatty liver can manifest on the skin and potentially cause visible changes that need immediate medical intervention for effective relief. It is essential to recognize the signs and take action, as fatty liver disease often progresses to an advanced stage before exhibiting symptoms. Here are the skin changes that you need to be aware of, and they could all indicate that your liver may be struggling and needs help to function better.

6 Skin Changes That Mean Your Liver Is Struggling

1. Persistent Dark Circles Under The Eyes

Dark circles under the eyes may have multiple reasons for appearing prominent. It has become vital to identify the exact reason why the dark circles under your eyes may be getting darker. There is a direct correlation between liver functioning and your eye health, as excessive fatty deposits around your liver may cause dark circles that don't seem to go away even after performing aesthetic remedies. Because of the liver-eye axis and how dysfunction in the metabolism in the liver may manifest in under-eye changes, such as dark circles. Here is what the studies say:

• As per the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2025), both types of fatty liver disease can influence eye health through systemic metabolic pathways, suggesting visible eye changes with links to liver dysfunction.
• Another study in the Journal of Translational Medicine proves the direct link between liver health and dark circles.

2. Redness Or Flushing On Cheeks

While a certain glow on the skin is a sign of great blood circulation and overall health, persistent redness or flushing on the cheeks may be linked to fatty liver disease. The main factors behind these skin changes are genetics, age, lifestyle, and general environmental exposure to pollutants. Here is what the studies say: 

• As per the Annals of Hepatology, both acute and chronic liver disease can manifest on your skin and result in vascular skin changes that will differ from person to person. 
• The key is to understand the sign and its root cause and seek medical guidance if it is being experienced with other symptoms. There are various clinical and controlled group studies, like those in the Clinical Hepatology Reviews, that looked at data from 2025-2026 and found that damage in the liver can show visible signs on your skin.

3. Yellowish Skin Tone (Early Jaundice)

When liver function is impaired, the progression of liver damage can be clearly visible in the yellowing of the skin. Early jaundice is a clinical sign of fatty liver disease, and it indicates that liver inflammation has progressed to chronic inflammation or fibrosis. So, seeking medical help is of utmost importance if you notice your skin is turning yellow, and getting the appropriate medical tests as advised by a doctor becomes necessary. There are various studies that prove the correlation between fatty liver disease and developing a yellowish skin tone; here is what they say:

• When the cells of the liver have impaired functioning, then you can develop a yellow hue on the white portion of your eyes, and your skin can become pale and gain a yellow tone. This has been mentioned in the World Journal of Gastroenterology (2025), which details the exact cause behind why this happens.
• Another study in the Annals of Hepatology (2026) shows that skin manifestations can occur when you may be dealing with chronic liver disease.

Also Read: Top 10 Foods To Reduce Liver Fat And Inflammation: AIIMS, Harvard-Trained Doctor Shares List

4. Itchy Patches Or Dryness

You may have noticed that your skin may have suddenly become itchy or there may be patches of dryness on it. While it is not the sole sign or a diagnostic indication of a fatty liver, the root cause needs to be analysed to effectively diagnose it, and only a medical professional can do so. So, seeking periodic blood check-ups is necessary to root out whether a fatty liver may be behind your itchy patches or dryness. There are various peer-reviewed journals and studies that prove that persistent itchiness and visible dry patches may be a sign of a fatty liver; these studies are as follows:

• The International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2025) documents that NAFLD progression can impair bile metabolism, leading to pruritus (itching) and dermatological symptoms.
• According to the Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, specific kinds of fatty liver disease, like cholestatic liver disease, may be present. It is a health condition that overlaps with fatty liver progression and often presents with itching and dryness due to bile salt accumulation in the skin.

5. Swelling/Puffiness Around Eyes Or Face

While a lack of sleep or an external injury to the eye can cause swelling or puffiness around the eyes or face, one of the causes can be having impaired liver function. As it affects fluid balance, protein synthesis (especially albumin), and systemic inflammation, if you are experiencing swelling or puffiness around your eyes or face, you need to seek medical help to effectively address a fatty liver. And the studies say this:

• According to the Journal of Hepatology (2025), when fatty liver disease has progressed, it can result in hypoalbuminemia, which happens due to impaired liver protein synthesis. This dysfunction causes facial swelling under the eyes, so taking a blood test to check your liver function becomes necessary.
• As per the Hepatology International (2026) journal, if your face is retaining fluid and has become visibly puffy, then it may be a visible sign of advancing fatty liver disease.

6. Spider Angiomas

When tiny red blood vessels start appearing in clusters and spread out from a central point, resembling a spider web, hence the name spider angiomas. In fatty liver disease, especially when it can progress to cirrhosis, hormonal imbalances (like increased oestrogen) and impaired liver function can lead to their formation. Here is what the studies say and why you need to be vigilant if you notice spider angiomas appearing on your face, neck, or chest:

As per the Cureus Journal and Acta Scientific Gastrointestinal Disorders, both indicate that spider angiomas are linked to liver dysfunction and can resolve when liver health improves.

Also Read: Fatty Liver Crisis: Nearly 4 In 1 Indians Affected, Lancet Study Sounds Alarm

Why Early Detection Matters

Fatty liver disease often shows symptoms when it progresses, and it can become difficult to treat, so early detection matters. The main reasons behind early detection can be:

• To prevent progression to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, which can lead to permanent liver damage.
• Actively making lifestyle changes and seeking medical interventions when necessary.

These signs prove that you need to be actively aware of subtle skin changes and notice them. And it is also important not to draw conclusions yourself but to seek medical consultation for confirmation and proceed accordingly.

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.