What Causes Dark Spots On Hands While Treating Cirrhosis?

Posted on Thu, 19 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 19 Mar 2015 Answered on

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband has cirrhosis from alcohol abuse and has recently shown dark spots on the top of his hands like a blood vessel may have broken. His hands are also cold. Could this be related to the cirrhosis?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Decompensated Cirrhosis

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Liver cirrhosis causes thinning of the blood ( deranged coagulation) which leads to easy bruising of the skin. Here is what you should do

1. Approach a GP as soon as possible to get INR, PT, PTT checked. Get a liver function test also
2. Continue taking all the medication.
3. Follow a high carbohydrate and low protein diet. Avoid red meat
4. Make sure he is passing stools everyday
5. Stop alcohol

If possible attach a photo of the dark spot and send it to me.

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar