What Causes Purple Colored Rash On Arm?

Posted on Wed, 4 Feb 2015

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

Wed, 4 Feb 2015 Answered on

Wed, 4 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doc, there is this weird purplish lace like rash on my arm

Answered by Dr. Shahid Hassan (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Livido reticularis or erythema ab igne

Detailed Answer:
Hi,welcome too HCM,
As per photograph uploaded by you two differential diagnosis can be made.
1. Erythema ab igne &
2. Livido reticularis
Have you noticed that you are getting regular exposure of low heat on that part of hand?
As erythema ab igne occurs most commonly due to regular exposure of low heat. It is also a classical finding in chronic pancreatitis or hypothyroidism.
In livido reticularis discoloration is due to swelling of venules as capillary block occurs due to thrombi. biopsy of skin is needed to diagnose this.
If you have any other query please go ahead.
Thanks

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