Mottled skin or livedo reticularis is defined as skin with patchy and irregular colors. Generally, the skin might have reddish or purplish streaks, marks or spots. In some cases, it might also have a marbled appearance in varying colors.
Characteristics
In general, the main feature of mottled skin is a blemished appearance with purple or red spots. Furthermore, the uneven skin color might manifest in any region of the body. There is also a lace-like network of patches on the skin.
The accompanying symptoms that requires medical care include:
- Skin ulcers
- Painful nodules
The skin condition settles on its own. If it persists, it is best to see a doctor for a diagnosis.
What are the causes?
Generally, various ailments can result to mottled skin. In addition, issues with the blood circulation and spasm of the blood vessels are the usual causes:
Other possible causes include the following:
- Shock – this is a serious and dangerous condition which is caused by blood loss, poisoning, infection, trauma, accidents or burns. Overall, if the mottled skin is accompanied by other signs, it is a sign of shock that requires further care.
- Cold environment – exposure to cold environments can result to mottled skin. Generally, the cold can disrupt the circulation of blood.
- Vascular diseases – these conditions affect the blood vessels in the body which result to the skin condition. The common conditions include blood clots, atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms
- Medication reactions – mottled skin might be a possible side effect or reaction to certain medications.
- Lupus
- Antiphospholid syndrome
- Pancreatitis
Management of mottled skin
In essence, there is no specific treatment for most cases of mottled skin. In addition, the treatment is based on the root cause of the condition and other symptoms present.
- Shock – seek medical which involves oxygen and intravenous fluids
- Vascular diseases – treatment includes lifestyle changes and drugs that lower the blood pressure or cholesterol level
- Aneurysm – surgery is often required in some cases
- Drug reactions – the doctor might reduce the dose or switch to a different medication
- Cold environment – various measures can be done such as wearing layers of warm clothing, heated layers and brushing the affected sites to lessen the blotchiness
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/mottled-skin
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321422.php
https://www.mayoclinic.org/livedo-reticularis/expert-answers/faq-20057864