Final answer:
Skin manifestations in cirrhosis, like jaundice, occur due to portal hypertension and the buildup of bilirubin in the body as the obstructed and damaged liver fails to properly detoxify the blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
When cirrhosis occurs, it means there is a buildup of fibrous tissue in the liver, replacing dead cells that have been damaged through various means such as viral hepatitis, alcoholism, or the exposure to liver-toxic chemicals. This fibrous tissue leads to portal hypertension, as it obstructs blood flow through the liver, causing blood to bypass the liver via portal systemic anastomoses. Without proper blood filtration and detoxification in the liver, substances like bilirubin can build up in the bloodstream, leading to skin manifestations such as jaundice, which is characterized by a yellowish coloration of the skin and mucous membranes.
Furthermore, hepatic encephalopathy can occur due to severe liver dysfunction, exacerbating the physiological distress and contributing to skin-related symptoms.