Palmar erythema can occur due to liver problems. As a rule, the first sign of such an ailment is redness of the palms. It is worth noting that in some cases, such symptoms may appear on the feet of a person. But basically the palms are more prone to this defect, and therefore you can often hear the second name of this disease - “hepatic palms”. It is about this dangerous symptom that we will discuss in our article.
What is erythema?
Palmar erythema is a consequence of any pathologies that make themselves felt by reddening of the skin. As a rule, this defect appears as a result of an excess rush of blood into the capillaries. It is important to understand that such a symptom is quite dangerous, and if a person noticed a change in his hands, then you need to urgently be anxious. What does erythema look like? A photo of her symptoms can be seen in the article.
It is worth noting that the manifestation of erythema may not always indicate the presence of a disease in the human body. This symptom can occur in an absolutely healthy person, and, as a rule, after a short period of time, this phenomenon disappears on its own. But if the redness does not disappear for a long time, then this is a pretty serious reason for visiting a doctor. Palmar erythema does not bring pain to a person, but this does not mean that such a symptom can be ignored. It is important to understand that this symptom appears due to liver problems.
What diseases can manifest “hepatic palms”?
It is possible to determine that the patient has precisely "hepatic palms", according to one sign: when you click on the affected area of the skin, the rash temporarily disappears, and then reappears. If a person really has this disease, then close attention should be paid to the condition of the liver. Ignoring this symptom is strictly prohibited.
Palmar erythema: causes
Let's look at why a disease can occur. Liver defects in which palmar erythema may manifest:
- with cirrhosis of the liver;
- with chronic viral hepatitis;
- with toxic hepatitis;
- with liver failure;
- with alcoholic liver disease.
It is worth noting that there are a number of diseases in which erythema can occur. Therefore, it is very important to seek help from a specialist in a timely manner.
The first symptoms of the disease
By what signs can it be determined that a person has erythema? Photo clearly demonstrates them. In general, the redness of the palms of a person has a symmetrical shape. And the rashes themselves resemble a small-spotted or dotted pattern. The places where the rash appears are the palms, in rare cases, the feet. As described above, this condition manifests itself in chronic liver diseases. Sometimes a symptom of this ailment can be observed in pregnant women.
As a rule, in addition to redness of the palms of the hands, the patient manifests severe fatigue, general weakness of the whole organism, and also a low temperature. People who have liver problems become irritable, they may experience severe headaches, sleep disturbances and excessive sweating.
These are the symptoms of erythema. Sometimes, different types of hepatitis may not occur at all, especially in cases of chronic course. Then redness of the palms may be the only sign of hidden internal processes. Therefore, such a symptom should serve as a signal to a person to urgently seek medical help.
Palmar erythema in children
In most cases, erythema in children indicates the development of hepatitis. Basically, this ailment begins gradually. Signs of an emerging disease may initially be systemic or hepatic. But with the further development of this disease, both groups will begin to appear.
System signs include the following:
- skin rash;
- fever;
- arthralgia.
Hepatic symptoms include the following:
- pain under the ribs, which tends to build up;
- palmar erythema is manifested by the appearance of spider veins;
- enlarged liver and spleen;
- increase in body temperature;
- headache;
- fatigue.
As a rule, mainly in the child the first signs of liver appear. Therefore, if at least one of the above symptoms appears, parents should as soon as possible seek help from a specialist. Do not forget that in children hepatitis can quickly take a chronic form, in which exacerbations occur a couple of times a year.
Diagnosis of the disease
First of all, with the manifestation of palmar erythema, you should consult a dermatologist, since this is a skin rash, which can be of a different nature. Most often there is a symmetrical redness of the palms. A dermatologist can accurately determine the origin of the rash. Diagnosis begins with the doctor performing a detailed visual examination of the patient to determine the type of erythema. Based on a visual examination, he directs the patient to the appropriate specialist.
Then the person must donate blood for biochemistry, a general urine test and bacteriological culture from the nasopharynx. Using these tests, the doctor will be able to accurately determine the cause that caused the appearance of erythema. It is worth noting that in some cases, a person will need to have a biopsy. Such manipulation is necessary in that situation if there is a suspicion of a malignant neoplasm. Even if a person is sure that he is absolutely healthy, with the appearance of such a symptom, it is urgent to seek help. It is important to understand that liver problems are much easier to eliminate at the very beginning of their development.
Disease treatment
Palmar erythema alone is not treated. Only the reason why she appeared is eliminated. Therefore, therapy provides for the deliverance of a person from a basic ailment, which served as a provocateur. And since erythema is a sign of liver disease, then this organ is treated, respectively.
After diagnosis and establishing the true cause, the specialist prescribes adequate therapy for this ailment. It is important to understand that its duration directly depends on how timely the patient asked for help. If a lot of time has been lost, then the treatment process will be delayed for a long time and will be carried out directly in the hospital.
As for getting rid of the rash, the doctor may recommend the following rules:
- if necessary, then bed rest should be observed;
- obligatory performance of physical exercises prescribed by the attending physician;
- the strictest diet;
- minimize the use of foods that cause an allergic reaction.
- completely get rid of all bad habits.
Antihistamines are prescribed to relieve redness. Antibacterial agents reduce inflammation. Various antiseptics are also often used.
Alternative methods of treatment
Erythema can pass faster if, along with medicines, take tincture of mistletoe. For cooking, you need 10 g of mistletoe fruits, which need to be crushed. The fruits are poured with 500 ml of pure alcohol. Insist remedy for about a month. After the end of the period, tincture is taken in a diluted form with water. It is necessary to dilute 35 drops with water and drink 1 time per day.
If a person has decided to treat liver diseases with the help of traditional medicine, then you should first consult with a doctor. Alternative methods quite often give a positive result, but to avoid possible complications, it’s still worth getting a consultation. Do not forget that the attending physician must know about all the means used by humans. This will help in case of complications.
Possible complications
If erythema of the palms appeared, then a visit to the doctor should be mandatory. If such a sign is ignored or attempted to cure only a problem that appears on the skin, this can lead to complications, and in some cases to death. Do not forget that erythema is a consequence of chronic liver disease. In case of untimely seeking help, a person runs the risk of being treated for an illness for a long period in a hospital.
Preventative measures
Preventive measures include a whole set of rules that should be strictly observed. From now on, a person with liver problems should completely change his lifestyle.
These measures include the following rules:
- strengthening the immune system;
- complete abandonment of alcohol and smoking;
- proper nutrition.
Human health is only in his hands, and it is important to understand that if problems with the liver have been identified, then the time has come to show maximum care for your own body. Chronic diseases of this organ tend to aggravate a couple of times a year, so it is extremely important to completely change your own lifestyle. From now on, fatty foods should be banned. This rule applies to citrus fruits, as well as hot spices and smoked meats. It is these products that act in a destructive way on the human liver.
Conclusion
A healthy liver is primarily a guarantee of human longevity. It is important to understand that this body performs a huge number of tasks vital to the human body. And if the first signs of the disease appear, then everyone is simply obligated to seek appropriate help. Only in this way can one save one's own health, and sometimes life.