Palmar Erythema (“Hepatic” Palms)
This is a condition in which there is a uniform reddening [6] of both palms. This condition is a symptom of certain liver diseases, and cirrhosis is not an exemption. It is characterized by hyperemia (increased blood flow) of the palms, less often of the feet. Redness occurs equally in men and women, and there is no correlation with the person’s age. Palmar erythema appears due to impaired circulation in the portal vein, leading to the formation of arteriovenous anastomoses (linking of vein and arteries). Redness of the palms occurs when additional vascular ramifications are formed for normal nutrition of the skin and other organs, which connect the veins and arteries.