Septic shock is a medical emergency in which bacteria enter a persons bloodstream. Its most common on your limbs (arms, hands, feet and legs) but can appear in your mouth or on any other mucus membrane. Last medically reviewed on October 31, 2017. All rights reserved. There is usually no need to have additional medical treatment. Cutaneous manifestations in pancreatic diseasesA review. Blotchy skin is a change in skin color due to a reaction or condition. This fungal infection, which is especially common in tropical climates, makes white, pink, red, or brown spots form on the skin. If you ever experience hives along with difficulty breathing or a feeling that your throat is closing up, seek emergency medical help. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2947115/), (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11515831/), (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/thrombotic-thrombocytopenic-purpura). (2017). It can be caused by conditions that range from mild, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Rash 101 in Adults: When to seek medical treatment. The condition most often shows up on the legs. Sometimes, treatment isnt needed and the purpura goes away on its own. They may change your treatment depending on its efficacy. There are also some cases where the skin has a marbled appearance with different colors. People with dark skin may notice patches of purple or gray, while those with lighter skin may experience red blotchiness. Livedo reticularis: A review of the literature. - Vitiligo. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice purpura or any blood spots, patches or skin discoloration. The reticula may be reddish-blue or purple and may come and go. The most significant symptom of mottled skin is the blotchy appearance of the skin with red or purple spots. - Alcohol flush syndrome. But some infections can seemingly outmatch the skin, at least in the short term, and cause blotchiness. Theyre classified based on the underlying condition causing them. Read on to learn several causes of mottled skin and what you can do about it. This is because the spleen is the main body part responsible for eliminating platelets. (2001). Common causes of thrombocytopenic purpura are: Common causes of nonthrombocytopenic purpura are: Purpura isnt a medical condition. Some of the causes, like cold weather exposure, can be avoided. - Eczema. Poor blood vessel health (weak, fragile or inflamed blood vessels). Blotchy or Mottled Skin | Causes | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment. If youre bleeding under your skin, it can appear as one larger patch (bruise) or several smaller dots (petechiae). Whats Causing the Itchy Rash On Your Forehead? For people whose skin responds to changes in temperature (like cold), keeping your body warm (or cool) can help clear up blotchiness. Treatments include medications and sometimes a splenectomy, or surgery to remove the spleen. If you have an aneurysm, you may need surgery in some cases. They can appear on the skin of body organs such as the eyes, nose, mouth cavity, arms, legs, or any other parts of your body. Drugs help in preventing the narrowing of arteries. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Hives vs. Eczema: What Are the Differences? - Tinea versicolor. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse. If your skin appears blotchy with red and purple spots or a lacy network of patches, you most likely have mottled skin. (2017). - Shingles. Vascular conditions include: Other symptoms will vary based on the specific vascular disease and may include breathing problems, pain, or fatigue. The following could cause nonthrombocytopenic purpura: The following could cause thrombocytopenic purpura: Your doctor will examine your skin to diagnose purpura. (2020). Henoch-Schonlein purpura (also known as IgA vasculitis) is a disorder that causes the small blood vessels in your skin, joints, intestines and kidneys to become inflamed and bleed. (2009). Some newborn babies have mottled skin. Many cases are temporary, brought on by exposure to irritating influences like the sun. These patches often seem to form a pattern depicting a web or a net. -5 min read. Livedo. Features of polymorphous light eruption are somewhat predictable: The spots may also appear on organs or mucous membranes, including the membranes on the inside of the mouth. DOI: Contou D, et al. Purpura can affect both children and adults. There is no cure for RA, but treatment can reduce the symptoms and the risk of joint damage. This could be a sign of an allergic reaction or an infection. If you have an autoimmune disease like lupus thats causing your mottled skin, your doctor will prescribe medications to help control your immune response and reduce inflammation. A rarer, related condition called livedo racemosa may be caused by a serious underlying condition. Skin pigmentation disorders. There are several other types of folliculitis, too. What Causes Small Itchy Bumps on Back of Hands? Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Shingles can recur once it has resolved, so the CDC recommends that people above age 50 talk with their healthcare provider about getting the shingles vaccine. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. In addition to cold exposure, you can get hives when your body reacts to an allergen found in food, plants, medications, or infections. It may also cause dark, patchy, or mottled skin, which may be due to the way the inflammatory condition affects the blood vessels. "I have lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The patches of discolored skin can be red, purple, or blue. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries. (2010). Since sunlight can cause hyperpigmentation to get worse, limiting time in the sun and applying sunscreen are often a part of a treatment plan. Johns Hopkins Medicine. When it does, your doctor will discontinue the drug. It is often caused by minor traumas to sun-damaged skin, and it is diagnosed by a thorough medical evaluation. If an area of your skin is blue (or purple) when you're warm, that's can be a sign your blood isn't getting enough oxygen. Purpura fulminans is a rare but potentially life-threatening disorder, proving fatal in up to 50% of cases. Hence it does not require any medical attention, and it goes away on its own. The two main types of purpura are related to blood platelet levels. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but serious disorder that affects the bloods ability to clot. For instance, if your uneven skin tone is caused by a sunburn, a cool bath or soothing ointment may be helpful. 2. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. The most common type of cutaneous T cell lymphoma, MF occurs when cancerous T cells are present in the skin with a characteristic presentation of patches, plaques, and sometimes tumor-like. See a doctor if this is the caseit may be a reaction to a medication, such as an anticoagulant or diuretic. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash suddenly (with or without pain or itchiness), or if an existing rash spreads rapidly across your body. Other symptoms that indicate that the mottled skin is due to a cold environment include shivering, numbness, and cold. A person with acute pancreatitis can get mottled skin. Polymorphous light eruption on arm. A person with nonthrombocytopenic purpura has platelet levels in a normal range. Also known as urticaria, hives are welts on the skin that can occur from an allergic reaction or, in this case, exposure to cold temperature. Removing the spleen is a fast way of increasing your platelet count. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For example, if purpura is related to a blood clotting disorder or low platelet levels, it can put your life at risk. Perhaps you have developed a reaction to laundry soap or bath soap you are using, even if it has been for a long time. All rights reserved. In many cases, we can find a lacy network of patches on the skin. More specifically, it means someone lacks certain enzymes that the body uses to metabolize alcohol. We include products we think are useful for our readers. It tends to occur along the neck, chest, and upper back. Can I Get Laser Skin Resurfacing During Pregnancy? It is common in adults over 50. Discoloration of the skin due to prolonged exposure to heat like heating pads results in toasted skin syndrome, which presents with itching and burning sensation. An itchy rash on the arms and legs is common and can be caused by numerous conditions. If lupus causes damage to the small blood vessels, a person with this condition may develop livedo reticularis. Livedo racemosa is always the result of an underlying condition and has a strong association with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Folliculitis occurs when a hair follicle becomes inflamed or infected. Thrombocytopenic means that you have a lower than normal platelet count. On dark skin, it may appear purple, ashy grey, or dark brown. In very deep skin tones, the pattern may be a dark brown. Perhaps you were scratching harder that you realized. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. This article will use the terms male, female, or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. - Psoriasis. Bourcier S, et al. The medical name for this symptom is livedo reticularis. Exposure to cold temperature decreases blood circulation, which results in the appearance of mottled skin. Mottled skin, also called livedo reticularis, is skin that has patchy and irregular colors. Your doctor may also perform a biopsy of the skin in addition to blood and platelet count tests. But the question is what causes blotchy skin on legs and how can it be treated? The other symptoms include: Treatments for acute pancreatitis include intravenous (IV) fluids and anti-inflammatory medication. Excessive sun exposure without ultraviolet (UV) protection damages the skin cells and leads to accelerated skin aging. When to see a doctor The condition usually clears up without treatment. - Spider veins. Purpura larger than 1 centimeter (cm) is called ecchymoses (or bruises). American Academy of Dermatology Association. Once your healthcare provider determines the discolored skin spots are purpura, they must determine whats causing it. Drugs or medications that affect platelet function or clotting. Mottled skin refers to the appearance of the skin when there is a. The following are answers to common questions about mottled skin. When this occurs, skin color may be altered in response to either more or less blood flow. It usually lasts for about a few weeks and is managed by stress-relieving techniques. Some people develop this symptom when they are cold. Some of the other symptoms of lupus include: This is also an autoimmune disease that affects the blood vessels. If you have poor circulation, its important to exercise and move. Children may develop it after a viral infection and can usually recover completely without any intervention. Because purpura develops from a variety of causes, there is not a one size fits all treatment. Shingles is caused by the herpes zoster virus that causes chickenpox and leads to a painful rash and blotchy skin. For mottled skin associated with the end-of-life stage, treatment will focus on keeping the person comfortable. Is rosacea causing your red, irritated skin? Exposure to cold environments can cause mottled skin. What Are the Various Causes of Mottled Skin? The hives appear as red welts, which are large, raised bumps on the skin. The skin becomes thin and no longer offers support and protection of the blood vessels within the tissue. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. doi:10.1007/s40257-021-00643-2. Caused by blocked-off sweat glands, heat rash can become infected and trigger a fever. Individuals with fair skin and light-colored eyes and hair are more at risk for rosacea, as are people between the ages of 30 and 50. In rare cases, thrombocytopenic purpura thats left untreated may cause a person to develop excessive bleeding in some part of their body. Doctors sort cases into different categories to make it easier to understand the potential causes. Also, lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease and is inflammatory in nature. Mayo Clinic Staff. 2022). Welts on skin due to cold temperature could be hives. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Alteration of skin perfusion in mottling area during septic shock. Reaching out and talking with others who have the disorder can help. New study shows significant economic burden of skin disease in the United States. If it is a sign of an underlying disorder, there will typically be other symptoms that occur alongside skin mottling. Solar purpura is a skin disorder characterized by areas of purple or red discoloration, found most commonly on the arms, forearms, and legs of elderly people. Medications: If skin mottling is caused as a side effect of any medications, then you should talk to the doctor for available alternative options. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event. Treatment for thyroid disease focuses on correcting a persons thyroid hormone levels. oozing or . Read More. However, serious health conditions can also cause blotchy skin. However, some people may feel their skin is more sensitive or tender. Blotchy skin is a fairly common condition that most people experience at some point in their lives. This pattern will usually appear red, bluish, purple, or brown. They may decide to reduce your dosage or change to a different medication. When you're extremely cold, your skin can turn blue (or purple). Evaluating the child with purpura. Causes also include: Shock is a serious and life-threatening condition. If this happens, it's time to call your healthcare provider. Sometimes, low platelet levels can cause excessive bruising and bleeding. Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects about 14 million Americans. Drugs that are known to cause mottled skin include: One of the symptoms of lupus is mottled skin. The inflammation and redness from sunburn can lead to blotchy skin. Learn about the causes, including pregnancy and liver cirrhosis. Livedo racemosa: Clinical, laboratory, and histopathological findings in 33 patients. You may see a lacy network of patches on the skin. However, splenectomies arent effective in everyone. An oral antifungal medicine or topical cream may also help. This appearance leads to the formation of mottled legs. If you've ever felt your cheeks and neck flush after a few sips of a cocktail, you may have experienced alcohol flush syndrome. Their focus is on a mind-body-spirit approach to healing. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. (2017). The skin may become inflamed, and the rash tends to be. People can reduce their symptoms by warming their skin. The main symptom of mottled skin is a blotchy appearance with red or purple spots. - Scarlet fever. The most striking feature of this form of vasculitis is a purplish rash, typically on the lower legs and buttocks. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? After a skin rash has healed, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can take its place. Skin discoloration on the legs can be due to many conditions, including sunburn, vitiligo, and eczema. A change in skin color (red, purple, and blue in extreme cases) Temperature change in body parts (cold feet or hands) Skin infections, cuts, or sores not healing as well or quickly as they should Muscle cramps If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. Palmar erythema is a rare condition that makes the palms of the hands turn red. Its mostly used to treat patients with severe thrombocytopenic purpura and patients for whom corticosteroid treatment isnt effective. A note from Cleveland Clinic Livedo reticularis is often a harmless skin reaction to cold environments. Purple or reddish patches on the skin give an appearance of mottled skin, and these patches appear as patterns of net or web on the skin. A severe lack of oxygen in the blood also typically results in purple skin. Theres usually nothing you can do to reduce your risk. Read our, How to Reduce Stress: Techniques to Manage Stress and More, Causes and Risk Factors of Urticaria (Hives). These discolored or irregular color spots can appear anywhere and on any part of your body. When you first walk out into cold weather, the blood vessels in your skin narrow. Sometimes the spots from purpura do not go away completely. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Casey Gallagher, MD, is board-certified in dermatology and works as a practicing dermatologist and clinical professor. It can cause side effects such as headache, nausea, and fever. There are many different types of purpura. Treatment depends on the cause of this condition and other symptoms that appear along with the skin mottling. Nonthrombocytopenic means that you have normal platelet levels in your blood. What Causes a Cancer Lump on the Back of the Head? Many people correctly draw a parallel between a stressful period in their lives and the condition of their skin. A family history of rosacea and a history of acne can also put people at greater risk for developing rosacea. It is usually irregular in appearance and can be due to temporary or permanent causes. Marked regional endothelial dysfunction in mottled skin area in patients with severe infections. Alcohol flush reaction. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. . Until the virus clears up on its own, you can manage the pain and symptoms with pain relievers. This happens to minimize heat loss from the body. Anyone's skin can be damaged by the sun. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Purple or red-colored spots on your skin are called purpura. Many conditions can cause mottled skin. American Academy of Family Physicians. However, in adults, the causes for purpura are usually chronic and require treatment to help manage symptoms and keep platelet counts within a healthy range. Some options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants. Research shows that livedo reticularis can be a symptom of COVID-19. This condition differs from one person to another person in the aspect of appearance. When your doctor confirms a diagnosis, theyll discuss treatment options and the long-term outlook for your condition. She has practicedin a variety of settings including pediatrics, oncology, chronic pain, and public health. version 12.066-7-prod. When mottled skin is accompanied by other symptoms, it can be due to shock, and this requires immediate medical attention. You can upload files and images in the next step. Mottled skin, along with red or purple skin patches, is a common symptom of APS. It can be tricky since they all include common symptoms like red, scaly skin, itching, and redness. With polymorphous light eruption, sensitivity to sunlight lessens with repeated exposure. These medications include aspirin and ibuprofen. Talk to your healthcare provider about any suspicious blood spots or bruises so they can treat the cause and minimize your risk of complications. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Until a cure is found, a vast online network exists to help those living with Parkinsons, and. Click here to learn more. Smith J. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. New study shows significant economic burden of skin disease in the United States. Bruises, either single or multiple, appear spontaneously, mainly on arms or legs, and resolve without any specific treatment. Welts on skin due to cold temperature could be hives. Infections Blotchy skin is a fairly common condition that most people experience at some point in their lives. (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000573.htm), (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003232.htm). Depending on what is causing it, mottled skin is not always preventable. According to MedScape.com, skin that is mottled develops a visible network of blotchy patches that can be anywhere from a red to dark purple color with pale skin in the middle. When a person has livedo reticularis a blotchy or web-like pattern of red, blue, or purple lines appears across the skin. These tests will help assess whether or not your purpura is a result of a more serious condition, such as a platelet or blood disorder. The skin may appear mottled when a person is close to dying, particularly if it affects the upper extremities. This can create purple spots on the skin that range in size from small dots to large patches. Unless you get checked out by your healthcare provider, there isnt a way to be sure. (2018). Purpura can develop anywhere on your skin. Its common for petechiae to resemble a rash because the dots are tiny and tend to cluster. This article will focus on mottled skin caused by livedo reticularis. These medications cause bone marrow to produce more platelets, which reduces the risk of bruising and bleeding. Read More. Purpura is purple spots or patches on your skin or in your mucus membranes (such as your mouth and throat). Sunburn & your skin. Petechiae (puh-TEE-kee-ee) commonly appear in clusters and may look like a rash. Applying pressure to the area doesnt affect the color (blanching the skin). If someone could have COVID-19, they need to remain at home and seek testing from their local health authority, even if their symptoms are mild. Symptoms often affect only certain areas of your body, like your lower limbs. Most cases of urticaria are temporary, but they can become chronic. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. Is skin mottling a predictor of high mortality in non-selected patients with cirrhosis admitted to intensive care unit? Arms and legs turning purple. In addition to fever and chills, scarlet fever can cause a red, bumpy rash about one to two days after the infection starts. Mottled skin may persist after someone dies because the heart stops pumping, so the circulation stops. Purpura occurs when small blood vessels burst, causing blood to pool under the skin. See a dermatologist if blotchiness recurs without an obvious cause, worsens, or doesn't go away. Medline Plus. Hospice care centers and staff can offer helpful support to you or your loved one during this stage. Learn about the causes and treatments here. In very deep skin tones, the pattern may be a dark brown. Livedo reticularis associated with COVID-19. (2017). Congenital disorders that affect the connective tissue. Learn more about how it affects the skin. Determining if the purpura is related to a blood clotting disorder or platelet issue is the first step in diagnosing the condition causing purpura. Exercise-induced vasculitis mainly affects one or both lower legs and thighs, with single or multiple episodes of a rash with the following characteristics: Involvement of exposed skin and sparing of skin protected by socks or stockings; Red patches, urticarial lesions (weals) and purpura (purple spots) Oedema (swelling) of the affected leg(s) Usually, this condition is harmless and benign. 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