What does livedo reticularis rash look like?
People typically use the phrase “mottled skin” to describe livedo reticularis, a condition that causes a blotchy or web-like pattern of red, blue, or purple lines to appear across the skin. In very deep skin tones, the pattern may be dark brown.
What is the cause of livedo reticularis?
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 are the symptoms of livedo reticularis?
Livedo reticularis is characterised by:
- Net or lace-like cyanotic pattern.
- Blotchy, reddish-blue to purple (a livid colour)
- Transient or persistent.
- Mostly affects legs.
- It may be more pronounced in cold conditions.
- May or may not improve with warming.
- Cold exposure may result in tingling and numbness of affected skin.
Is livedo reticularis an autoimmune disease?
Among autoimmune diseases, LR is most commonly associated with SLE, systemic sclerosis, and Sjögren’s disease, though it has also been reported in association with dermatomyositis and Still’s disease.
Is livedo reticularis itchy?
The lesions caused no itching or pain. This is a classic presentation of livedo reticularis, a chronic vascular disorder in which constriction of cutaneous blood vessels leads to the characteristic mottled or net-like discoloring on large areas of the legs or arms and, less frequently, the trunk.
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.
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).
What medications can cause livedo reticularis?
Drug-related:
- Adderall (side effect)
- Amantadine (side effect)
- Bromocriptine (side effect)
- Beta interferon treatment, e.g. in multiple sclerosis.
- Livedo reticularis associated with rasagiline.
- Methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine-induced peripheral vasculopathy.
- Gefitinib.
Does exercise help livedo reticularis?
Livedo reticularis can be a normal condition that is simply more obvious when a person is exposed to the cold; however, over time it may become permanent. In severe cases ulcers in the extremities may occur. Exercise is the best remedy. Increased circulation helps to dilate the blood vessels throughout the body.
Can livedo reticularis be caused by stress?
There are two forms of LR: primary and secondary. Secondary LR is also known as livedo racemosa. With primary LR, exposure to cold, tobacco use, or emotional upset can lead the skin discoloration.
Can you get a rash after Covid?
COVID can trigger a very itchy widespread rash called urticaria. This is sometimes called nettle-rash or hives and appears suddenly as smooth raised areas (‘wheals’) on the skin which can come and go quite quickly over hours. This can come up early in the COVID infection but can last for months afterwards.