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My Legs And Feet Are Dark Purple And Look Very

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Posted on Tue, 9 Jul 2019
Question: My legs and feet are dark purple and look very marbled. The severity of the discoloration progresses throughout the day and tends to be worse if I am cold or if I’m stressed. My knees are always the point where the marbling and discoloration is the most severe.
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Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Livedo reticularis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the beautiful description and perfect picture.
I took a look at it and formed an opinion which was a classic text book image.
The skin over the legs had a mottled (net like), reticulated appearance with different colors from purple to red to colorless streaks. This is called Livedo reticularis.
I wonder if this is only restricted to legs? Do you use any medicaitons? Do you have heart or any other medical conditions? Do you have any vascular conditions or autoimmune problems like Lupus?
In a benign case, the skin pattern appears more when the body is colder and towards the end of the day after a tiring day, when the heart is unable to pump all the blood. Generally if it is not serious it should get better when you take hot showers. Please see a doctor if you are developing bumps or ulcers over the skin.
You can see your doctor locally for investigations. Blood tests towards abnormalities in Thyroid function, Vascular function, Rheumatoid factors, Pancreatitis should be done.

Hope this answer gives you a direction.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. V. N. S. Parinam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1727 Questions

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My Legs And Feet Are Dark Purple And Look Very

Brief Answer: Livedo reticularis Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for the beautiful description and perfect picture. I took a look at it and formed an opinion which was a classic text book image. The skin over the legs had a mottled (net like), reticulated appearance with different colors from purple to red to colorless streaks. This is called Livedo reticularis. I wonder if this is only restricted to legs? Do you use any medicaitons? Do you have heart or any other medical conditions? Do you have any vascular conditions or autoimmune problems like Lupus? In a benign case, the skin pattern appears more when the body is colder and towards the end of the day after a tiring day, when the heart is unable to pump all the blood. Generally if it is not serious it should get better when you take hot showers. Please see a doctor if you are developing bumps or ulcers over the skin. You can see your doctor locally for investigations. Blood tests towards abnormalities in Thyroid function, Vascular function, Rheumatoid factors, Pancreatitis should be done. Hope this answer gives you a direction.