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Why does my skin on my legs look mottled and purplish?

  • Writer: #TexanVV
    #TexanVV
  • Feb 10, 2020
  • 1 min read

Source: Mayo Clinic: Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.


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. But it may be a symptom of a serious underlying condition, such as vascular disease. And it may occur as a side effect of certain medications.



When to see a doctor

The condition usually clears up without treatment. See your doctor in the following situations:

  • The discolored, mottled skin doesn't go away with warming

  • The discolored, mottled skin is accompanied by other signs and symptoms that concern you

  • Painful nodules develop in the affected skin

  • Ulcers develop in the affected skin

  • You also have peripheral vascular diseases.


This is a new development and you are known to have lupus erythematosus or other connective tissue diseases.

 
 
 

12 Comments


Kiera Zehner
Kiera Zehner
Jan 29

so my entire body does this im also swelling really bad everywhere and my feet have been peeling badly also tiny boil like bumps or pimples? literally everywhere not like a rash just in small clusters all over my body is it possible this is a parasite? cause im also noticing weird markings on my feet ankles and behind my legs and weird swelling in neck thats like lieele peas to marbles ddepends on the day but this is consurning as i have a 7 year old little boy hopefully coming home soon so would like to be the best prepared

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adupree35
Jul 16, 2024

I have this on both my legs and I haven't been exposed to cold air. I've seen a dermatologist and had a biopsy done and the results came back normal. Which is incorrect, this is not normal and something is wrong. It's been a year and my legs won't clear up and I refuse to wear shorts due to embarrassment

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Rice Pig
Rice Pig
Mar 05
Replying to

I just saw what you wrote. Maybe I can help ease your mind. I have had this pattern on my entire body my entire life and I am fifty yrs old. I thought this was normal until my daughter (13) asked her doctor why her skin looked different from her friends. I never paid any attention to it. Her doctor said it was a rare skin condition and he thought it was not inherented but I said I have it too. He was confused bc he thought it was not. So fair we have not had any problems. We are just a little different than some. Hope that helps

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Jr & Crystal
Jr & Crystal
May 06, 2024

why do my legs do this if its cold or hot

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Maria Daniels
Maria Daniels
Apr 16, 2024

This happens to my pregnant daughter when she goes in the sun.

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ren
Oct 17, 2024
Replying to

Livedoid vasculopathy

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Grady Smith
Grady Smith
Apr 11, 2022

he's dead lmao

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Rice Pig
Rice Pig
Mar 05
Replying to

Ur a dick

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