Livedo reticularis is a condition marked by purplish color of the skin caused by dilation of blood vessels which stops the normal blood flow. This is marked by discoloration of the skin which becomes reddish blue in color. The sub-cutaneous layer of the skin changes its normal color and becomes pale. This situation is seen on the palms, legs and trunk and affects people largely during cold weather.
But this disease affects only the superficial blood vessels and hence does not harm the underlying blood capillaries and blood vessels. It causes net like or mesh like appearance on the skin with dark blue or purple color. Cold climate triggers the dilation of superficial blood vessels causing discoloration of the skin.
Causes :
Underlying medical issues can cause livedo reticularis in some people. For instance cutis marmorata can cause this problem in infants when they are exposed to cold weather. It often occurs as temporary diffusion and does not produce any visible symptoms. For some children livedo reticularis is inherited due to chromosomal abnormalities or due to neurological problems. The condition can be severe in the beginning but it may improve as one grows old.
LR is a benign disorder causing mottling looks on the upper skin layer. It happens due to the swelling of blood vessels or capillaries which causes more blood flow into particular area causing red or purple coloration.
The normal blood flow is blocked due to obstructions like infections or blood clotting which causes disruption in the mechanism of transfer of blood. This will activate the underlying blood vessels to swell thus supplying more volumes of blood to the superficial layer of skin. This can cause prolonged vaso-dilation giving rise to discoloration.
Idiopathic livedo reticularis affects middle aged people during winter. Initial symptoms of mottling are seen during cold season accompanied with tingling sensation on the arms and legs. This can be due to inflammation of blood vessels or due to obstruction of free flow of blood. This disease can occur in combination with rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, systemic lupus, lymphoma and pancreatitis.