A graduate of Texas Tech University and the University of Cincinnati, Trent is fervently dedicated to providing evidence-based, compassionate care to those battling addiction. He emphasizes a holistic, patient-centered approach and stays updated on the latest in addiction research. Trent Carter, FNP-BC, CARN-AP, is a seasoned nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in addiction medicine.
Causes of Alcoholic Neuropathy
- The health risks of alcohol tend to be dose-dependent, and the likelihood of certain harms, such as cancer, begin at relatively low amounts.6 Even drinking within the U.S.
- A biopsy may also be required to identify the severity, extent and cause of liver damage.
- At this point, it’s obvious to those close to you that you’re struggling.
- Find support for yourself and other family members in a rehab family program.
Finally, one potentially serious cause of alcohol and bruising is alcohol liver disease. As liver functioning declines from chronic alcohol misuse, a person is likely to bleed and bruise easily. An alcohol use disorder is a legitimate medical condition that causes lasting changes in the brain. Once a person develops an alcohol use disorder, they will continue to drink, even in the face of serious consequences, such as health problems caused by alcohol. Brain changes from repeated alcohol misuse lead to compulsive drinking and make it difficult to stop without treatment. Other alcohol-related liver diseases resulting from consistent liver inflammation, like alcoholic jaundice (aka alcoholic hepatitis), are also common with chronic drinking.
responses to “6 signs unexplained bruising may be worrisome”
Although stopping drinking alcohol is the most effective treatment for alcoholic liver disease, it is not a complete cure. People who have progressed to alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis most likely will not be able to reverse the disease. Fatty liver disease can also develop after binge drinking, which is defined as drinking four to five drinks in two hours or less. About 90% of heavy drinkers will develop alcoholic fatty liver disease. Individuals may experience difficulty controlling their alcohol intake, leading to excessive consumption and blackouts. They may also exhibit physical withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, sweating, and nausea when attempting to stop or limit alcohol consumption.
- About 2% of American adults have liver disease, and therefore are at risk of developing cirrhosis.
- Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
- While peripheral neuropathy generally cannot be cured, there are several medical treatments that can be used to manage the pain of alcoholic neuropathy, aiding in your recovery.
Addiction and Mental Health Resources
Corticosteroids or pentoxifylline may help bruising and alcoholism reduce inflammation in people with acute alcoholic hepatitis while receiving hospital treatment. Drinking a large volume of alcohol can cause fatty acids to collect in the liver. Sometimes, heavy drinking over a short period, even less than a week, can cause this. Cirrhosis is considered end stage liver disease as it cannot be reversed and can lead to liver failure.
Healthy liver vs. liver cirrhosis
Additionally, poor personal hygiene, unkempt appearance, and neglecting overall health are common indicators of alcoholism. Alcoholic liver disease is caused by excessive consumption of alcohol. There are three stages—alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis. Furthermore, alcohol addiction can have severe physical and mental health consequences.
Think you have a drinking problem?
Drinking too much alcohol may lead to a tingling sensation or numbness in your legs, feet, or hands, known as alcoholic neuropathy. This is one of the most common side effects of long-term alcohol consumption. Alcohol can lead to problems such as fatty liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis.
With so many effects on the body, the usual first step in treating alcoholism is detox—or getting alcohol out of your system. Depending on the severity of the alcohol use disorder, this stage can be mildly annoying or severe. Early withdrawal symptoms include headaches, anxiety, nausea, irritability and shaking. Often, bruising after drinking is a result of falling or bumping into something.
Liver Damage And Bruising
Alcoholic neuropathy can result in hypersensitivity to touch and even resting pain. Light touch can feel exaggerated and painful, particularly in the fingers and toes. ARLD does not often cause symptoms until it’s reached an advanced stage. Sober living home If you misuse alcohol, you may have liver damage, even though you have none of the symptoms above.
This is of particular concern when you’re taking certain medications that also depress the brain’s function. Many people with alcohol use disorder hesitate to get treatment because they don’t recognize that they have a problem. An intervention from loved ones can help some people recognize and accept that they need professional help. If you’re concerned about someone who drinks too much, ask a professional experienced in alcohol treatment for advice on how to approach that person.