What is livedo reticularis caused by?
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 does livedo mean in medical terms?
Dermatology. Livedo refers to a form of skin discoloration.
What does livedo reticularis rash look like?
Livedo reticularis is a reticular, reddish-violet discoloration of the skin that typically affects the limbs, although it can be generalized. 1 The rash becomes worse with exposure to cold temperatures. The diagnosis requires determining a possible systemic association.
Does everyone get livedo reticularis?
Livedo reticularis is a common (and temporary) phenomenon in babies and in younger women who are exposed to cold temperatures, and in these cases it is completely benign. However, it can also be seen with several serious underlying medical conditions.
How do you fix livedo reticularis?
There is no specific treatment for livedo reticularis, except for cold avoidance. In some patients, the symptoms may improve spontaneously with age. Rewarming the area in idiopathic cases or treatment of the underlying cause of secondary livedo may reverse the discolouration.
Do I have livedo reticularis?
Physiologic livedo reticularis: A distinctive skin discoloration is the only symptom. It consists of a reddish-purplish discoloration that is finely reticulated (web-like), and that forms numerous circular patterns on the skin surface. Livedo reticularis is most common on the arms and legs.
What is the difference between livedo reticularis and livedo racemosa?
Livedo racemosa consists of broken circular segments resulting in a seemingly larger pattern, as opposed to the fine, regular, complete network of livedo reticularis. Livedo racemosa results from permanent impairment of peripheral blood flow and, unlike livedo reticularis, it persists on warming.
What kind of doctor should I see for livedo reticularis?
To fully evaluate for the comorbid conditions of livedoid vasculopathy, consult a hematologist (to evaluate for factors that lead to hypercoagulable states) and vascular surgeons (to evaluate and treat underlying defects of coagulation).
How do you test for livedo reticularis?
Blood tests are performed to diagnose possible underlying causes. A skin biopsy may also provide a clue to the underlying related condition. Primary livedo reticularis is a “diagnosis of exclusion” which means that the term is only used if no other cause can be detected.
What doctor do you see for livedo reticularis?
Is livedo reticularis serious?
Livedo reticularis itself is relatively benign. However, thromboembolic disease due to associated conditions such as antiphospholipid syndrome may lead to serious arterial events, including the death of the patient.