Livedo reticularis: When is it a concern?
March, 8th, 2024
Question
What causes livedo reticularis? When should I see a doctor?
Summary
Learn when this condition that causes a lacy pattern on the skin is simply a result of being chilled or something more serious.
Answer
, Answer Section, ,
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
