The skin is the body’s largest organ and a reflection of good health. Sometimes, the sudden appearance of skin discoloration or other irregularities indicate a greater problem stirring inside the body. When liver failure occurs, the skin acts as a major indicator, as one of the most common signs of liver failure is the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by a condition known as jaundice, which can also cause the skin to become itchier. In addition, bruising and the appearance of minor scrapes and cuts that bleed excessively are often indicators of liver failure.

Jaundice

Liver failure is not the only condition that can cause:

• jaundice
  
• as it can also indicate liver disease
  
• bile duct blockage
  
• hemolytic anemia
  
• certain cancers
  
• gallstones

Susceptibility to Bruising and Bleeding

Liver failure can cause bruises to appear easily and can lead even the most minor injury to result in major blood loss 2. This is because a damaged liver cannot properly synthesize the proteins that the blood needs to clot properly.

There are other conditions that may affect the blood’s ability to clot aside from liver failure. Certain aspirins and medications known as blood thinners, inflammation of blood vessels, or conditions such as lupus, malnutrition and some forms of cancer can have similar effects as liver failure on the blood’s ability to clot.

Other Indicators of Liver Failure

Due to the serious nature of liver failure and the fact that the symptoms of liver failure that appear on the skin are shared with other conditions, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible when skin discolorations appear. Other symptoms of liver failure are nausea, fatigue, confusion, weakness and loss of appetite.