Livedo reticularis is thought to be due to spasms of the blood vessels or a problem of the blood flow near the skin surface. It makes the skin look mottled in sort of a net pattern with clear borders. The condition most often shows up on the legs.
Sometimes livedo reticularis is simply the result of being chilled. And it may occur as a side effect of certain medications. A rarer, related condition called livedo racemosa may be caused by a serious underlying condition.
When to see a doctor
The condition usually clears up without treatment. See your health care provider if:
- The discolored, mottled skin doesn't go away with warming
- You have discolored, mottled skin along with other symptoms that concern you
- Painful lumps develop in the affected skin
- Sores develop in the affected skin
- You also have a condition that affects the blood flow in your limbs
- Your skin symptoms are new and you have a connective tissue disease
Show References
- AskMayoExpert. Livedo reticularis and livedo racemosa. Mayo Clinic; 2021.
- Kang S, et al., eds. Cutaneous changes in arterial, venous, and lymphatic dysfunction. In Fitzpatrick's Dermatology. 9th ed. McGraw Hill; 2019. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed March 15, 2022.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. March 29, 2022.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/livedo-reticularis/expert-answers/faq-20057864