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Overview
Red palms are often harmless.
With yellow skin or swelling, it may signal liver disease.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayYellow skin or belly swelling.
See a doctor soonNew red palms with other symptoms.
Causes
Causes include pregnancy, liver disease, thyroid disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause red palms. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Alcohol-related liver damage (warning signs)Often needs care today
Long-term heavy drinking can damage the liver.
What you can do at home
- Note other symptoms.
Medicines
Depends on cause.
At the doctor
Blood tests check the liver.
Questions you may be asked
- Alcohol
- Other symptoms
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
- Liver tests
Prevention
Protect your liver.
- Limit alcohol
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.