What is causing my swollen skin?
What is mottled skin?
Livedo reticularis is also known as mottled skin. It refers to skin with irregular and patchy colours. It may show spots, streaks, or red or purple marks. You may notice a marbled appearance with different colours.
Continue reading to find out the causes and remedies for mottled skin.
Symptoms of mottled skin
Mottled skin manifests as a blotchy appearance and red or purple spots. This distinctive skin colour can occur on any part. The skin may appear as a lacy network with patches.
These symptoms are often associated with serious conditions that require medical attention:
- painful nodules
- Ulcers on the skin
Sometimes, mottled skin will resolve itself. It is possible to get a diagnosis from a doctor if it does not go away.
Mottled skin
Many conditions can cause mottled skin. Two common causes are blood vessel spasms and blood circulation problems. Other causes include:
Shock
Shock can be life-threatening and serious. Shock can be caused by trauma, blood loss or infections, burns, poisons, and accidents. A swollen skin or other symptoms may indicate shock. You should seek immediate medical attention. These are the symptoms of shock:
- Mottled, pale, or cold skin
- Breathing problems
- Students who are larger than average
- Rapid Pulse
- Rapid breathing
- nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
- dizziness
- fainting
A shock is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Cold environment
Mottled skin can be caused by exposure to cold environments. Cold temperatures can affect your blood circulation. You may also feel cold, shivering or numb.
Vascular diseases
Vascular diseases can affect blood vessels and cause mottled skin. These are some of the Vascular Conditions:
- atherosclerosis
- Blood Clots
- aortic aneurysms
Other symptoms may vary depending on the type of vascular disease. They could include breathing problems, pain or fatigue.
Reactions to medication
Some medications can cause a side effect or reaction that causes bluish skin. You may also experience other symptoms depending on your allergies and the medication you are taking. Mottled skin can be caused by:
- amantadine
- catecholamines
- minocycline (Minocin).
- gemcitabine (Gemzar)
Lupus
Mottled skin is one of the signs of Lupus. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation. Lupus can also be manifested as:
- Butterfly rash on the forehead
- Fatigue
- Stiffness, pain, swelling or discomfort
- Dry eyes
- Fièvre
- sun sensitivity
- Toes and fingers that become blue from the cold
- Problems with breathing
- Headaches
Antiphospholipid syndrome
Antiphospholipid syndrome, an autoimmune disease, affects blood vessels. Mottled skin usually appears around the wrists and knees. Antiphospholipid syndrome can also be characterized by:
- seizures
- Headaches
- Alzheimer’s
- Blood clots
- Stroke
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas can cause swollen skin. Pancreatitis can also be characterized by:
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Fièvre
- nausea
- vomiting
- Fast pulse
End-of-life stage
Mottled skin can appear when a person is near death. You may also notice the following signs and symptoms at the end of life:
- Problems swallowing
- Refusing to eat or drink water
- Being unconscious or delirious
- Problems with breathing
- Feeling extreme fatigue and weakness
- Reduced cardiac activity
Possible Complications
Complications can occur if the medical condition causing the mottled skin isn’t treated. Most mottled skin that heals on its own, or is caused by the winter, doesn’t usually have complications.
Newborn babies with mutilated skin
Mottled skin is a common condition in newborns. This benign condition usually disappears on its own. Cold temperatures often cause it. The best treatment is to keep the baby warm and avoid the cold. There is rarely any need for additional medical attention.
Treatment options
There is no single treatment for every case of mottled skin. The condition’s cause and any other accompanying symptoms will determine the treatment.
You should seek immediate medical attention for shock. After being admitted to the hospital, the patient will be given oxygen and intravenous fluids. They will also need tests to determine the cause.