Mottled Skin: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment

Mottled skin or livedo reticularis is a common sign of poor circulation due to exposure to cold temperatures. It causes blood flow restriction in the small veins beneath the skin, causing the development of fine red or purple skin patches known as reticula. Mottled skin is a temporary skin condition that resolves on its own and usually does not require any medical intervention. 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.

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 patchy marks 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 legs due to the 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 or blotchy 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 Fact

The term livedo reticularis referring to the mottled skin condition, is derived from Latin. “Livere” means bluish, and “reticular” means a net-like pattern.

What Are The Symptoms Of Mottled Skin?

Here are the most common symptoms of mottled skin:

• Color Variations: Mottled skin typically appears as a purple or red patch. You may even notice a dappled appearance on the skin.
• Pattern: A closer inspection may reveal a network of lacy-looking or netted patches leading to an uneven, discolored skin tone.
• Location: It usually affects the skin on the legs or arms.
• Other Signs: These include pain in the lymph nodes or the development of ulcers related to mottled skin.

However, these symptomsare only based on anecdotal evidence. Sometimes, this skin discoloration may also occur in the case of an ulcerative colitis rash. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis.

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

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 variegated patches (4). You may try natural remedies for lupus to manage the symptoms. However, always consult a doctor before trying home remedies.

• 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 speckled skin. In this case, the mottled, spotted 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 splotchy 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?

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.

Quick Tip

Livedo 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.

While it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper treatment of mottled skin, there are some home remedies you may try to reduce its appearance. Some of them include:

• Warm Compress

Soak a clean cloth in warm water and wring out the excess water. Place it on the affected area for 10-15 minutes. Repeat 2-3 times a day. This may help improve blood circulation, which may reduce the mottled appearance (10).

• Massage

Use any moisturizer of your choice to nourish the skin. Massage the affected area gently during application to improve circulation (11). You may also visit a professional massage therapist.

• Stay Active

Regular physical activity may improve overall circulation and help with blood flow (12). This, in turn, may reduce the appearance of mottled skin. You may try activities like walking, yoga, and swimming.

• Drink Plenty Of Water

Keeping yourself hydrated may help maintain healthy skin and improve circulation (13). This may potentially reduce mottling. So, aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day. Along with this, it is also recommended you follow a healthy diet.

Apart from this, avoid putting weight on the arms or legs for long periods. For instance, if you like sitting with your legs crossed, avoid doing that for longer periods. Instead, uncross them from time to time to allow proper blood flow. Also, refrain from wearing tight clothes that may reduce blood flow. Instead, opt for multiple, light layers to keep yourself warm.

Infographic: A Comprehensive Guide To Understand 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!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I be worried about mottled skin?

While mottled skin is considered harmless, you should consult a doctor if it doesn’t heal with warming or you develop painful lumps or other accompanying symptoms.

Is it normal to have mottled skin?

Yes. Mottled skin is quite common in a cold climate, but you shouldn’t dismiss it if it persists.

Can heat cause mottled skin?

Yes. Erythema ab igne (EAI) or toasted skin syndrome, is a mottled rash on the torso that can be seen in people exposed to local or regional heat (14).

Mottled skin, although a common and transient condition causing patches of discoloration, is usually harmless. To better understand this occurrence and explore possible treatment options, watch this informative video given below!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Harryono JudodihardjoMB BCh BAO, MSc, PhD, DipGUM, DCH, DDSc

 

Dr Judodihardjo is a senior dermatologist with 24 years of experience and has two private practices in London and Cardiff. He was named the Best Dermatologist in the UK in 2019 by Tatler magazine. He is the Dermatology programme director for the FACE conference in the UK for many years.

Read full bio of Dr. Harryono Judodihardjo

Reevan Vishwas RegoBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Reevan holds a master's degree in mass communication and journalism and is a certified skincare coach. He is also a photographer by hobby and a part-time teacher by passion and has an innate ability to tell stories through visuals.

Read full bio of Reevan Vishwas Rego

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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