People who suffer from long-term liver disease often develop spider veins or enlarged veins on the thighs and calves.
This happens because of the liver’s inability to break down estrogen properly, causing hormone levels to rise and weaken blood vessels. The result is thin, web-like red or purple veins on the legs.
3. Severe Itching of the Legs (Cholestatic Pruritus)
Constant itching on the shins and calves can be an early sign of cholestasis, a condition in which the bile can’t flow properly from the liver. It often starts without a rash but creates a deep, constant need to scratch that’s usually worse at night. Over time, the skin can become thick, scarred, or infected.
This happens because backed-up bile sends bile salts into the bloodstream, where they irritate the nerves in the skin. Itching is especially common in biliary cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and hepatitis-related liver damage.
4. Easy Bruising on the Legs
