Other later stage signs of cirrhosis include:
- Intensely itchy skin
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes and the skin (jaundice)
- White nails
- Ends of fingers become wider/thicker (clubbed fingers)
- Swelling of the legs, ankles, feet (oedema)
- Swelling of the abdomen (ascites)
- Dark urine
- Forgetfulness, memory loss, confusion and drowsiness
- Trembling hands
- Staggering gait when walking; tendency to fall.
Early stage symptoms include:
- Generally feeling unwell and tired all the time
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight and muscle wasting
- Feeling sick (nausea) and vomiting
- Tenderness/pain in the liver area
- Spider-like small blood capillaries on the skin above waist level (spider angiomas)
- Blotchy red palms
- Disturbed sleep patterns.
The trust also lists some “red flag” symptoms.
“If you have any of the following symptoms you must see a doctor straight away, especially if you have recently been diagnosed with cirrhosis,” it says.