Mottled skin or livedo reticularis is a condition that causes red or purple patches on the skin. It indicates poor circulation and may be triggered by cold weather. Most of the time, mottled skin resolves by itself. However, if it does not go away after a few days, it may also indicate a reaction to medications or due to a serious medical condition that may require immediate medical attention. Keep reading to understand why the skin mottles, symptoms, diagnosis, and when it is a cause for concern.
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What Is Mottling Of Skin?
Mottling is a condition characterized by red, gray, and purple patches in a net- or lace-like pattern that appear on your skin. You may begin to notice these patches on your arms, legs, knees, and the back. A variety of conditions can lead to mottling of the skin – the most common of them being exposure to cold surroundings. In some cases, this leads to a disruption in blood flow due to the variations in temperature.
Young women commonly experience mottled skin on their legs due to exposure to extreme cold weather. Mottled skin may also be caused by the deposition of calcium within the blood vessel walls or endothelial dysfunction (where the blood vessels on the heart’s surface constrict) (1).
Mottled skin can either be caused due to isolated factors or as a side effect of some medication. Medications prescribed for Parkinson’s disease are known to commonly cause this skin condition (2).
Fun FactThe term livedo reticularis referring to the mottled skin condition, is derived from Latin. “Livere” means bluish, and “reticular” means a net-like pattern.
Let us understand the common signs of mottled skin and how you can identify it.
Related: What Causes Skin Lesions? How Do You Treat Them?
What Are The Symptoms Of Mottled Skin?
The most common symptom of mottled skin is the appearance of purple and red patches on the skin. A closer inspection may reveal a network of lacy-looking patches appearing on your skin. Other signs include pain in the lymph nodes or development of ulcers related to mottled skin. However, these symptoms are only based on anecdotal evidence.
We will look into the causes of mottled skin in the next section.
What Are The Causes For Mottling Of Skin?
Mottled skin can be caused due to many factors. However, poor blood circulation and blood vessel spasms are the leading causes (1). Poor blood circulation can be a result of high cholesterol and high blood pressure levels. Smoking also may narrow blood vessels and restrict the normal flow (3).
Other causes of mottled skin include:
- Lupus
Lupus (or systemic lupus erythematosus (LSE)) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple body organs. You may begin to notice lesions on your skin, which eventually may turn into red and purple patches (4).
- Exposure To Extreme Cold
Exposure to extremely cold or freezing temperatures causes your body to restrict blood flow to your skin by constricting the blood vessels. This thermoregulatory function happens to preserve your core temperature – resulting in the formation of purple patches on the skin. In this case, the mottled skin can be reversed by exposing yourself to warmer temperatures (5).
- Bier Spots
Another cause of skin mottling is Bier spots. This is common among individuals aged 20 to 40 years and is more significant in women. Here, you notice white marble-like patterns instead of purple and red patches. Skin mottling due to Bier spots is harmless and requires no treatment. However, Bier spots may signify other underlying conditions that may warrant relevant treatment (6).
- Shock And Trauma To The Body
Shock and trauma to the body in the form of electric burns, injuries, or blunt force can damage your blood vessels. Such trauma can disrupt blood flow to various parts of your body, including your skin. This may eventually lead to mottling of the skin (3).
- Pancreatitis
People with acute pancreatitis may find their abdominal skin mottling. In a study, a 40-year-old woman experiencing acute pancreatitis developed a blue rash on her abdominal region. Further examination suggested it to be mottled skin. Her mottled abdominal skin was found to be consistent with her previous pancreatitis attacks (6).
- Sepsis
Sepsis is your body’s extreme response to an infection during a life-threatening emergency. It occurs when a pre-existing infection causes a chain reaction within your body. Untimely treatment may even result in death. Sepsis may also cause skin mottling (7).
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the joints. It also may cause tissue damage and chronic pain. An uncommon manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis is rheumatoid vasculitis. The condition causes inflammation, ulcers, and gangrenous formations on the skin. It is observed only in 1% of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Rheumatoid vasculitis also affects blood vessels and may cause mottled skin (8).
These are some of the causes of mottled skin. But how to diagnose it and when should you consult a doctor?
Related: Arthritis In Fingers: Causes, Symptoms, And Prevention
How To Diagnose Skin Mottling And When To See A Doctor?
Red and purple patches in a lace-like pattern on your skin can almost always denote mottled skin. Mottled skin usually does not require a doctor’s visit as it tends to subside in a day or two. However, symptoms that prolong or get you seriously worried warrant a doctor’s inspection.
StyleCraze SaysLivedo reticularis is of four types: Physiological, primary, idiopathic, and amantadine-induced (1).
If you are suffering from mottled skin and are seeking treatment for it, let us understand how you can go about it.
Treatment Options For Mottling Of Skin
With regards to the treatment of mottled skin, there is no one specific method or medication. It solely depends on a case-to-case basis. A person suffering from Parkinson’s disease is likely to have mottled skin as a side effect from the medication they are taking as part of their treatment. Similarly, some medications that are critical to the treatment of certain conditions may cause the mottling of the skin, which doesn’t mean that you stop taking that medication.
Infographic: A Comprehensive Guide To Understanding Mottled Skin
If your skin looks blotchy with a lacy network of purple or red patches, chances are you have mottled skin. Factors like sepsis, high blood pressure, and rheumatoid arthritis may result in the development of these patches. Check out the infographic below to get a better understanding of the condition and when to take action. Scroll down to know more!
Mottling of the skin is a disorder in which you may experience red and purple lace-like patches on your skin. This could be due to something as simple as being exposed to extremely cold temperatures or as severe as lupus or Parkinson’s disease. Mottled skin is not considered a serious issue; however, see your dermatologist to determine the exact causes behind the symptoms if the problem persists. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for mottled skin. Each case must be treated individually depending on the diagnosis that determines the underlying reason.
