What Causes Livedo Reticularis?

Posted on Wed, 22 Mar 2017

Question: Hi it looks like i have mild reticularis liverdo on my hand. I have had checked from 3 doctors now and they said it is nothing to worry about.

I dont like the appearance it is affecting me.

I worry so much that i even got blood tests done. I got my full blood count done all normal. ESR was normal it was 2mm/hr.

The doctor Said i dont need any further tests nd keeps saying keep a eye on it because that scares me more.

Can you give me your opinion and tell me what treatments are out there for the appearance. Also which inflammatory markers should i get done or are they not needed?

I also got my liver tests and kidney tests all were normal

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Reticularis liverdo is not associated with any symptoms-nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Reticularis liverdo is a condition in which blood vessels are seen prominently on skin.
If the prominence of blood vessels is not accompanied by pain, nodules or ulcer; there is nothing to worry.
Normal liver functions and kidney function rule out any systemic cause.
No treatment is required for this condition.
If you still want to get more tests to assure yourself, you may get AA test, however, it is not required clinically.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

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

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (26 minutes later)

hi doc

Thanks for your reassurance.

Why does this condition exist? Is it normal in humans i will show you a picture it doesnt look too appealing?

On the internet stuff like vasculitis comes up.

Would vasculitis be found in the routine blood tests?? As in the ESR?

Also if there pain what kind of conditions is this associated with arthritis etc?

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Vasculutis is usually accompanied by pain.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again.
The image of your hand shows mild prominence of the blood vessels.
Vasculitis can lead to this kind of appearance , however, vasculitis is often accompanied by pain.
Absence of pain or any other symptom rules out the possibility of vasculitis.
Nevertheless, you may get ESR done.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (45 minutes later)

hi doctor i had a ESR done last week it was 2mm/hr. im guessing there is no need to worry and it is not vasculitis.

Thanks and take care

Will appreciate your last response on this matter, can i carry on with life normally thanks

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Absence of other symptoms and normal ESR rules out vasculitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
ESR of 2 mm Hg is within normal limits.
Absence of other accompanying symptoms and normal ESR rules out vasculitis.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

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. Prasad