What is livedo reticularis associated with?
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.
What causes leg pain and discoloration?
What Causes Leg Discoloration? When circulation is poor, blood flow is congested and pressure builds in the veins. The pressure causes veins to leak, and blood pools. Iron from pooling red blood cells begins to stain lower leg skin, causing it to discolor and appear splotchy.
What is the difference between livedo reticularis and Livedo racemosa?
Many textbooks and medical dictionaries still use these 2 terms synonymously. This confusion is more evident in the rheumatology literature, where livedo reticularis is the term commonly used to describe netlike cutaneous vascular patterns, whereas the term livedo racemosa is rarely used.
Why do my legs look purple and veiny?
Livedo reticularis is thought to be due to spasms of the blood vessels or an abnormality of the circulation near the skin surface. It makes the skin, usually on the legs, look mottled and purplish, in sort of a netlike pattern with distinct borders. Sometimes livedo reticularis is simply the result of being chilled.
What is Polychondritis disease?
Polychondritis, also called relapsing polychondritis, is a rare disease in which cartilage in many areas of the body becomes inflamed. The disease most commonly affects the ears, nose and the airways of the lungs. The cause is not known, and it occurs most often in people in their 50s or 60s.
What kind of doctor do you see for livedo reticularis?
It is always best to seek the advice of a Board-certified dermatology provider for peace of mind. Skin changes can be a sign of sometimes serious underlying medical issues. Livedo reticularis is a good example. Dr.
Is livedo racemosa painful?
It is not painful. It is simply a discoloration. Physiologic livedo reticularis appears transiently when a person is exposed to the cold, and resolves when the skin is warmed up.
Is livedo reticularis serious?
Sometimes livedo reticularis is simply the result of being chilled. But it may be a symptom of a serious underlying condition, such as vascular disease. And it may occur as a side effect of certain medications. The condition usually clears up without treatment.
Which extremities are affected by livedo reticularis?
The arms and legs are most often affected as well as the trunk, buttocks, and hands and feet. Livedo reticularis is worsened by cold and pregnancy. (In the European medical literature, the term livedo reticularis is used to describe the skin changes of the extremities only that disappear when the skin is warmed.
What is Livedoid vasculopathy?
Livedoid vasculopathy is a blood vessel disorder that causes painful ulcers and scarring (atrophie blanche) on the feet and lower legs. These symptoms can persist for months to years and the ulcers often recur. Livedoid vasculopathy lesions appear as painful red or purple marks and spots that may progress to small, tender, irregular ulcers.
What is the difference between livedo reticularis and livedo racemosa?
Livedo racemosa is used to describe skin changes that involve also the buttocks and the trunk and do not disappear with warm temperatures. These two dermatologic conditions are separated because livedo reticularis is much more frequent, but the association with strokes exists for livedo racemosa only).