It is common during winter as it acts like a response to cold. 2015;6(5):315-321. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.164493. The main symptom of mottled skin is a blotchy appearance with red or purple spots. That said, it can occur in anyone with an underlying cause, including children. "Mottled Skin Causes, Pictures, Baby Mottled Skin on Legs, Arms, Treatment," Treat n Heal web site, August 31 st, 2017; . NHS. Beneath the top layer of skin, discoloration occurs in a net- or lace-like pattern. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which You see darker and lighter spots next to each other in a blotchy pattern when both of these things happen at once next to each other. The symptoms of eczema may vary depending on the type. These cause serious heart and brain problems.. According to dermatologist Dr. Sara de Menezes, there are other causes of mottled skin.11 Some of these are: Very often babies develop mottled skin and according to Dr. Sara de Menezes, about 50% of normal infants have this. The Indian Dermatology Online Journal commented that livedo reticularis has been reported in people with blood circulation disturbances. However, it can also develop on the limbs, torso, and buttocks. Schachner, L., Hansen, R. Pediatric Dermatology, Elsevier, 2003. These pictures clearly show how blue, purple, pink or red lacy patches on the skin can appear. arrow-right-small-blue The sun can also cause a permanent stretching of small blood vessels, giving your skin a mottled, reddish appearance. The blood vessels supplying other parts of the body like the ear, nose, face, knees and nipples can also be affected. information submitted for this request. This is because exposure to a severely cold environment affects the flow of blood throughout our body and disrupts circulation. But some conditions can cause it to happen more often. Smoking cessation is essential to reduce the risk of associated arterial events such as stroke. Talk to your doctor if you frequently experience marble skin to confirm nothing else is wrong.. Females of middle age are the most likely to experience mottled skin. Most of the time it will go away quickly without the need for treatment. This reaction referred to as vasoconstriction, decreases the blood flow to the skin which help minimize heat loss. Because of the increased risk of blood clots and circulation problems, it can also cause leg ulcers and put you at greater risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.6, Mottled skin with an appearance of a lacy network of purple patches can occur in people who have acute pancreatitis. Skin described as mottled or blotchy is typically covered with reddish and purple patches over the skin. Mottled Skin on Legs, Arms, Baby, Pictures, Causes - TreatCure Livedo reticularis refers to various conditions in which there is mottled discolouration of the skin. Go somewhere warmer if your child develops marble skin or put more clothes on them and it should disappear. Some causes are temporary and will clear up independently, while others may require long-term treatment. The red patches will then turn purple and dark brown over time. Antiphospholipid syndrome (or sometimes called Hughes Syndrome) is an immune disorder that can cause blood clots. These patches often seem to form a pattern depicting a web or a net. Marble skin is also known as livedo reticularis or cutis marmorata. While it is not always a cause for concern, it can occur in people with various health disorders. Some symptoms of diabetes may cause discoloration or changes to the legs, such as: The treatment of diabetes depends on the type a person has. It will appear red and will often turn into a bluish-purple color over time. It results in larger reticula with broken circular segments. (n.d.). Dermatology Made Easybook. Livedo reticularis. Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Mottled Skin? For newborns. This should be distinguished from medium vessel neutrophilic vasculitis occurring in cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa. Fireplace or other contained heat source. Some studies suggest that almost all newborns develop marble skin sometimes. Congenital livedo reticularis may be associated with anomalies in other areas of the body, including your: A reticular pattern forms due to extended heat exposure. Mottled skin in newborns, toddlers and baby can cause a lot of anxiety to the parents. Skin discoloration on the legs can occur for several reasons including psoriasis, sunburn, and vitiligo. Cutis Marmorata: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Pictures it is swollen and when you press on it, you leave an indentation in the skin. For that reason, the diagnosis of the symptom is based on its appearance alone. This causes blood to pool in the legs. This content does not have an Arabic version. DermNetNZ. It may be aggravated by cold exposure. Lupus and your skin: Signs and symptoms This phenomenon can also result in mottled skin on arms and legs of those affected. How long does mottling occur before death? - TimesMojo However, people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis often have dark, patchy skin. The red area may just show non-diagnostic telangiectasia. Though it may not be accompanied by pain, it is a clear indication of some systemic condition that needs medical attention. For external causes that result in the mottling, the symptoms can be managed at home different way can also be carried out to prevent the mottling, like avoiding exposure to sun ray and extreme cold environments. Netdoctor participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Secondary mottled skin is closer associated with: These diseases will likely present with other symptoms, depending on which one a person has when they develop mottled skin. This causes a buildup of cells on the surface of the skin. If your skin appears blotchy with red and purple spots or a lacy network of patches, you most likely have mottled skin. Therefore, having areas of mottled skin that appear as blotchy patches could be one of the signs of a thyroid disorder. Instead of trying to treat the symptoms, it is prudent to have a pediatrician diagnose you child to get to the root cause of the visible symptoms. Some are relatively benign and transient, while others can be much more serious. Usually, the only way to cure mottled skin is to address the underlying cause, if that is known. Others dilate, or get wider, causing your skin to turn red or purple. Marble skin is normal in newborns. Any pathological or physiological process which impairs blood flow to the skin results in higher amounts of deoxygenated haemoglobin, leading to a livid discolouration. These include blood clots, atherosclerosis and narrowing of the blood vessels, and symptoms depend on the underlying condition these may include leg or chest pain, fatigue and breathing difficulties. Unless the underlying cause is reversed, there is no permanent treatment for the condition. This usually settles when the baby is warmed and there is no need for any particular medical treatment. Melanin is the substance that gives the skin the dark coloring.