Is It Livedo Reticular?

Posted on Thu, 4 Jun 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 4 Jun 2020 Answered on

Mon, 6 Oct 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a painless/flat rash for 1 week that does not go away or fade. Is it Livedo Reticular? Is this a dangerous condition? What could have caused it? I am concerned it has been caused by blot clots in the vein although I am otherwise well. Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Looks looks livedo reticularis, answer few questions

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to ask a doctor service
I have gone through your query and reviewed the attached photograph.
It seems to be livedo reticularis.
I need to ask you few questions:
Is it present only on one arm?
Was it of the same color since its appearance or it has any changes in color?
Do you have history of any fever, joint pains, muscle pains, fatigue, mountain ulcers?
Do you have any history of trauma on the arm prior to its appearance?
Do you have blood clots in your arm veins?
Are you taking any medicines?
Kindly revert with the answers.
Regards
Dr Asm

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Hi,
Yes it’s present only on one side of one arm.

It has not changed colour at all since I first noticed it and there have been no changes to its appearance. (It is XXXXXXX coloured rather than red/ violet you find on images of the condition).

No previous relevant conditions.

No trauma to the arm. Or blood clots (that I know of).

Not taking any medications other than vitamins (Cod Liver oil and Multivitamin).

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Livedo reticularis can be idiopathic and physiological

Detailed Answer:
Livedo reticularis can be idiopathic and physiological.
There is no need to worry about.
Just keep it under observation.
If it increases in size I would recommend you to consult a doctor and get it evaluated.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (5 hours later)

Thanks, is this true even when the pattern doesn’t fade when warmed up?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
It is not necessary that the pattern will fade on warming.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (7 hours later)

Thanks. I’ve also now noticed a very faint mottling on my leg. (Photo attached) that is also new. Is the same issue and do I still need to be unconcerned? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
I have reviewed the newly attached photograph and can appreciate the mottled appearance.
Since these rashes are asymptomatic and you don’t have any other systemic problems I would recommend you to not worry about them.
I would recommend you to keep them under observation.
If it shows any symptoms or gradually increase in size consult a doctor and get them evaluated.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T