2. Intense itching of the soles of the feet (Pruritus)
A persistent and often intense itching on the soles of the feet, without an apparent cause such as dry skin or an allergic reaction, can be a warning sign. A liver with problems cannot process bile efficiently, leading to a buildup of bile salts in the blood. These salts can be deposited in the skin, causing itching that is usually most noticeable on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
3. Vascular spiders (Spider angiomas)
Spider veins, or angiomas, are small clusters of dilated blood vessels that appear near the surface of the skin. While most common on the chest and face, they can also appear on the feet and ankles. Their development is believed to be linked to elevated estrogen levels in the blood, which can occur when the liver is not metabolizing hormones properly.
4. Reddening of the soles (Plantar erythema)
Similar to palmar erythema (redness of the palms of the hands), plantar erythema appears as a mottled redness on the soles of the feet. Like spider veins, it is associated with hormonal changes that a damaged liver cannot properly regulate, leading to dilation of the superficial capillaries.
