Fatty liver disease is a silent but dangerous condition. If not detected early, it can lead to hepatitis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. What is especially concerning is that many warning signs may already be clearly visible on the face, yet most patients neglect or overlook them, allowing the disease to progress quietly and become more severe.

The liver is one of the largest and most vital organs in the body, responsible for numerous essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of clotting factors.

When the liver is impaired—due to hepatitis, cirrhosis, or progressive fatty liver disease—these functions are significantly reduced. A clear consequence is fluid retention, which causes swelling in various parts of the body, including the face.

In addition, several abnormal facial signs may serve as early warning signals of fatty liver disease, such as:

1. Puffy or swollen face

When the liver is damaged and its function declines, the body is more prone to fluid retention, leading to edema. One noticeable sign is a puffy or swollen face, which loses its usual sharp and defined features.

2. Darkened skin around the neck

Fatty liver disease can cause insulin resistance, a condition in which the body does not use insulin effectively. This may lead to acanthosis nigricans, causing the skin around the neck—especially in skin folds—to become darker. Although this condition does not cause pain or itching, it is an important warning sign of underlying metabolic disorders.

3. Abnormal facial redness

In some cases, fatty liver disease may manifest as persistent facial redness associated with rosacea. Areas commonly affected include the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin. Initially, the redness may appear intermittently, but without proper treatment, it can become prolonged and permanent.

4. Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Jaundice is a classic sign of liver damage and occurs when bilirubin levels in the blood become elevated. Under normal conditions, the liver processes and eliminates bilirubin. However, when liver function is impaired, bilirubin accumulates, causing the skin and the whites of the eyes to turn yellow. This is a clear indication that the liver is in trouble and requires prompt medical evaluation.

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How to prevent and improve fatty liver disease

To protect liver health, experts recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle with the following principles:

• Adopt a balanced diet: Avoid fast food, processed foods, sweets, carbonated drinks, and foods high in oil and saturated fat. Instead, include more green vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, white meat, fish, tofu, and healthy fats from avocados and nuts.

• Increase physical activity: Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga help reduce liver fat and improve overall health.

• Maintain a healthy weight: If you are overweight or obese, start losing weight. Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce fat accumulation in the liver.

• Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol is one of the leading causes of liver damage. Minimizing alcohol intake helps prevent fatty liver disease from worsening.

• Control underlying conditions: People with diabetes or lipid disorders should strictly follow treatment plans and maintain good control of their health indicators, as these conditions increase the risk of fatty liver disease.

• Schedule regular health check-ups: Especially for individuals at high risk, routine check-ups help detect liver problems early and allow timely intervention.