Red palms: I had to start a new post... - British Liver Trust

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Red palms

linzenilss22 profile image
25 Replies

I had to start a new post wouldn't let me add a picture

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linzenilss22 profile image
linzenilss22
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25 Replies
ballie52 profile image
ballie52

A lot of people have red palms even when they are heathy. .Red palms can be a sign of liver disease in some people but also it doesn't necessarily mean you have liver disease..my 16yr old daughter has red palms and she is perfectly healthy. ..on the other hand it can be seen in people with an existing liver condition.

MisterX profile image
MisterX

Strong lifeline, good heartline. The broken line across the top indicates 3 marriages....

:)

Sorry - couldn't resist.

Question - if you take this to a doctor and she then decided to investigate - the first obvious thing she would do would be to get a blood test and take an ultrasound.

So if you went and had a blood test and ultrasound done now what would you expect it to show?

Your last blood test and ultrasound were normal (pretty much). So...... two possibilities......

a) Bloods and ultrasound now abnormal.

...... what do you think has happened since those normal results to cause a deterioration sufficient to cause the red palms and presumably a change in those blood results? Have you been drinking again? If not what would have made it worse? Bearing in mind that you already suspect you may have a liver problem.

b) Blood and ultrasound same as (or better as you've not been drinking) they were. Doctor indicates no likelihood of liver disease given normal bloods, clear ultrasound and lack of the usual symptoms.

If your liver is damaged enough to affect your palms and cause the other things you're concerned about, it should be damaged enough to show in blood tests or ultrasounds.

Read this....

nhs.uk/Conditions/Liver_dis...

The early symptoms are the ones that lead to investigations. If clear then no liver issue.

The advanced symptoms are usually CONFIRMED by blood or ultrasounds - it's not usually the situation that the liver is so badly damaged that it manifests signs of advanced liver disease but miraculously doesn't affect the blood readings - given that blood is most of what the liver does.

You can monitor and google until the cows come home but if you feel you have a symptom you have to consider the situation outlined above.

Don't drink, eat healthily and get exercise.

linzenilss22 profile image
linzenilss22 in reply to MisterX

Thanks I read your link I had all the early symptoms and had bloods and scans that came back ok. Do you know anything about prominent blue veins showing all over the body all of the sudden. When I started feeling sick this also presented itself. I'm just not sure what could be wrong. I think I wouldn't worry as much if I didn't have this liver pain. Gallbladder normal so not sure what other cause it could be

in reply to linzenilss22

i had the blue veins pop up, in my hands and broken veins on my forearms. There are still there 15 months later, apart from the broken red ones have gone. Mine appeared about a week after a heavy couple of nights out. but really I would say the veins in my chest and legs seem more visible or closer to the surface, it scared me alot.

I went to the doctors and did blood tests on the 3 week after binge mark, no inflammation of the liver found, I then did an ultrasound, all normal. Still freaked out I did a Fibroscan, 4.2kpa and slight amount of fat above normal found.

All I can find is that its called Vasodilation and can be related to an organ struggling, Liver Pancreas, kidney, spleen, but in general people with serious Liver problems don't really report this issue, so im a bit confused. Some say it could be a spike in blood pressure, I also think the fact they are still there doesn't mean there is an ongoing issue, just that at one time you have something causing blood flow problems. The time they appeared I felt like crap too, could hardly stand up for a few days. I suspect I had some mild Alcoholic Hepatitis and/or Pancreatitis, my abdomen was certainly aching for months.

Nucola profile image
Nucola

Red palms is normally an indicator to advanced liver disease not everyone gets them I think you would have had more symptoms or tests to tell you you have a liver condition. I would be asking my GP for the answers.

Bolly profile image
Bolly

Those look normal and healthy to me.

Bolly profile image
Bolly in reply to Bolly

These are hepatic red palms classconnection.s3.amazonaw...

scottyboy40 profile image
scottyboy40 in reply to Bolly

Swollen and blotchy.It started on my hands but a week l8r,it was all over my whole body. Scared the life out of me.Xx

linzenilss22 profile image
linzenilss22 in reply to Bolly

I saw the picture I've also seen ones like mine in pictures saying Palmar eremthma.

MisterX profile image
MisterX in reply to linzenilss22

patient.info/doctor/palmar-...

If you really believe that you may want to take it back to your doctor for reconsidration.

The link above discusses the condition with its multitude of possible causes. As you have recently had normal blood tests ajd a normal ultrasound it's obviously much less likely to be a liver provbem than one of the many others especially as with all of these types of advanced symptoms your failing liver would manifest some more obvious sign of failure.

Cheers

linzenilss22 profile image
linzenilss22 in reply to MisterX

I've tried doing research on blue veins showing thru the skin is there any liver connection. I know everyone has these veins but mine started showing prominently all over!!

MisterX profile image
MisterX in reply to linzenilss22

Hi,

I can't think of one - certainly not in the way I think you are assuming. Spider nevi are the obvious sign.

As the liver impacts so many functions people with decompensated liver disease show many manifestations.

But....by that point it shows up in the mechanisms by which the liver works.

You can't have both compensated disease and decompensated disease. So for the veins and palms to be indicative of liver disease in you you'd expect to see it in the mechanism by which the liver does its job - i.e. blood proteins hormones etc.

If I were you I'd consider getting a second medical reassurance that the normal rests mean normal and if so, then consider counselling to deal with the anxiety - which may be related to what caused the drinking in the first place.

Cheers.

(note corrected previous typos. I was trudging about London and trying to type while walking).

linzenilss22 profile image
linzenilss22 in reply to MisterX

Thank you. I do suffer from anxiety and depression. I have scared myself into thinking I have liver disease. The only good thing to come from it is I quit drinking. I feel like all these symptoms came at once. I have seen 2 different doctors who did lft and have been to the hospital once. The doctor at the hospital only said elevated bilirubin can be gallbladder or liver which my gallbladder is fine. I told my primary doctor about my drinking habit as embarrassing as it was and she said it would show somewhere in these tests but I see tests and scans can totally miss it if I knew they were 100% my mind would be at ease. I could get a fibrscan but do not think my doctor would refer me.

MisterX profile image
MisterX in reply to linzenilss22

The thing is given what you're saying it makes no sense that you do have liver disease.

I have cirrhosis. I don't have the things you've mentioned.

Don't be confused by the word "test" they are measuring liver functions and looking for indicators of inflammation and damage.

It can't be so damaged that it's showing up in these odd ways but not so damaged that its doing all its stuff - and you're misunderstanding whatever you are reading that tells you differently.

You would be better off focussing on the anxiety.

Do keep your chin up - but remember if the tests are coming back normal and the ultrasound is clear and your doctors are saying you don't have liver disease - that's good news. Take it and move forward with your life.

GavBelfast profile image
GavBelfast in reply to Bolly

Goodness, those palms ARE red! Mine have only been anything remotely like that during or after exercise, or in a warm bath.

linzenilss22 profile image
linzenilss22 in reply to GavBelfast

Oh great! Most people are saying they look fine

GavBelfast profile image
GavBelfast in reply to linzenilss22

Yes, they DO look fine and normal.

But, if you DO feel unwell, go back and see the doctor.

Even if it is anxiety driving how you feel, that's enough in itself to see a doctor and see if he/she can reassure you or provide other treatment.

With good-normal blood tests and clear ultrasounds, you should be happy. My blood tests were NOT good for a few months, and my ultrasound was NOT clear. I also DID have reddish palms, though they're OK now. So, I'd be glad to be in your shoes.

Good luck with the doctor (if/when you see him/her) and keep us updated.

Take care.

Gavin.

Are the veins small and spidery, if so they are called spioder nevi above the waist and something else below the waist (don't know what). They are common in liver disease as a effect of portal restriction and poor blood coagulation. I'm sure we have all seen heavy drinkers with red noses and faces. Well that's the same thing but a bit more advanced.

jules45 profile image
jules45

Hi, when I was drinking heavily before my diagnosis of cirhossis my palms were bright red and I noticed when attending doctors appointments I would be asked to hold out my palms to face the doctor. There is something called 'webbing' of the palms and clubbing of the fingers and the redness they were looking out for, all of which I had. I do know people though who naturally have red palms so no panics. Blood tests and ultrasound confirmed my liver problems. Ive given up drink obviously but some days my palms are redder than others. Hopefully your mind will be put at rest.

linzenilss22 profile image
linzenilss22 in reply to jules45

Hi Jules thanks for the info. Do you mind if I message you?

RodeoJoe profile image
RodeoJoe

You don't have red palms? They look normal.

dckimberly profile image
dckimberly

They look ok to me..I'm one of the patients who does have the blotchy red spots on hands and feet, so they always check mine, along with the 'press' test. That's where they press in on your skin and start counting how long it takes to bounce back. Sometimes it's a very long time, but I have ascites and terrible fluid retention that comes from having hepatic and alcoholic and fatty liver cirhosis.

I also have some of those veins, but when I was drinking I got them around my face..most alcoholics have some of that. I get them now from the fluid.

It sounds like you are very anxious. You mentioned a drinking problem? That alone causes major depression and anxiety. It takes a while to get over it once you stop. Therapy and going to a12 step program is really good for that.

To be honest, if you have liver pain, that would be moire of a concern to me.

But I'm not a doctor. I only know my symptoms, and I trust my doctors. Blood work can normally identify liver disease very quickly.

If your that concerned, see yr doctor..if your getting no joy there, go get a second opinion. Don't drink, cut back on sodium, take walks..for the anxiety, and take a deep breath.

Like I said, illness is very individualized, so seeing medical professionals is best. Don't google everything or use WebMD. Those sites will have you thinking your dying.

Good luck!

Kimberly

Vincentzeke profile image
Vincentzeke in reply to dckimberly

Does your hands stay red all time?

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply to Vincentzeke

Vincentzeke - this Post was from five years ago so I doubt you will get an answer 😕.....

Amzel profile image
Amzel

I’m late I’m the game but it could be a sign your liver isn’t functioning well but not diseased. I would get on liver supplements from the liver doctor. Alpha liopic acid does wonders for the liver. Also eating as much raw fruits and vegetables. My palms turned red after my liver enzymes were up from a prescribed medication. I went repeatedly to the docs only to be told that I am fine. I don’t believe that 100% so I’m off all drugs and eating healthy with supps.

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