What does cirrhosis look like?

Patients with cirrhosis often exhibit outward changes to their appearance, such as a yellowing of the skin, called jaundice, caused by the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, according to MedicineNet. Bruises develop easily due to the affected liver's decreased production of blood clotting factors.

As scar tissue forms, it negatively affects the liver's ability to function normally, resulting in several possible outward signs, according to Medical News Today. Visible blood capillaries sometimes appear on the skin of the upper abdomen. Patients with cirrhosis may also lose weight and develop red or blotchy palms. As the disease progresses, fluid may accumulate in the feet, legs and ankles.