This is often a temporary, harmless phenomenon that is the result of exposure to cold temperatures or stress.
It can also appear because of several serious underlying conditions.
Skin appearance can differ depending on the cause, however.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
It also discusses cases when you should worry about livedo reticularis and contact your healthcare provider.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
cheekylorns / Getty Images
What Is Mottled Skin?
The pattern varies in color but is usually shades of red, purple, blue, or brown.
Discoloration most often appears as blotchy skin on the legs.
cheekylorns / Getty Images
Mottled skin appears where blood flow near the skin’s surface has changed.
Sometimes the cause of livedo reticularis is unknown.
What Are the Causes of Livedo Reticularis?
Many different conditions and diseases can trigger an LR reaction.
Cold
When blood vessels constrict due to cold temperatures, physiologic livedo reticularis can occur.
It is most commonly seen on the legs during exposure to cold temperatures.
Laura Porter / Verywell
The mottling slowly resolves when the skin is warmed.
Cold LR is considered a harmless condition and no treatment is required.
People diagnosed with APS often need to take blood thinners to lower the risk of blood clots.
It can affect any organ or tissue, including the skin.
Pancreatitis
Mottled skin is a rare secondary symptom of both acute and chronic pancreatitis.
Thyroid Disease
The thyroid produces hormones that help regulate many functions in the body.
Hormonal imbalances seen in thyroid disease may cause blood vessels to calcify which in turn leads to LR.
Skin mottling may clear once hormone levels are corrected.
Skin changes may move slowly up the arms and legs.
What Are the Symptoms of Livedo Reticularis?
In addition:
How Is Livedo Reticularis Diagnosed?
In these cases, the doctor will begin with a thorough medical history and physical examination.
Targeted diagnostic testing may be done to look for the suspected underlying condition.
They may then refer you to another punch in of specialist, depending on the suspected cause.
How Is Livedo Reticularis Treated?
Physiologic livedo reticularis is a normal, passing phenomenon that has no known medical consequences.
How Is Livedo Reticularis Prevented?
Preventing livedo reticularis may not always be possible.
Taking steps to stay warm and boost blood flow may help for some.
In some cases, however, livedo reticularis is triggered by a serious underlying medical problem.
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