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What Causes Livedo Reticularis?

Posted on Fri, 7 Apr 2017

Question: Hi

Male 27 FBC normal, ESR normal 2mm/hr. Liver enzymes all ok. Kidney all ok.

I even had the ANA TEST which was negative.

I have some liverdo reticularis on my hands (Mottled skin) it is very MILD and only noticed if you look into it properly!

I am concerned about the appearance and want to know any private procedures out there which will make my skin normal.

The thing is doctor all my bloods are fine, so this can't really be a underlying health condition? I worry sometimes. the doctor asks me if there is any pain? EVen if there is.. and my ESR is as low as 2mm/hr! so it cant be any inflammatory cause.

Please advise what you think and how to get back to normal skin?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be acquired idiopathic livedo, no procedures available

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at HealthcareMagic
I have gone through your complaints and you seem to be having livedo reticularis.
Since all your investigations are normal and it is not associated with any symptoms that rules out the possibility of an underlying disease.
You seem to be having acquired idiopathic variety of livedo which occurs without any cause and is harmless.
Unfortunately there are no procedures that can make this mottled pigmentation disappear as it is due to the presence of deoxygenated blood in the arterioles but it can improve with keeping the hands warm.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

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

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (10 minutes later)

Dr asmeet you say it's normal i do get some pain in the hands recently but ESR is normal and ANA negative.

Im so confused, could it be due to obesity?

I am 4 stone overweight?

Is there any other tests i need doing
?

With this condition i will live a normal life right? What is the cause of the deoxygenated blood?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can lead a normal life, pain can be due to overweight

Detailed Answer:
Occasional pain is normal if other investigations are normal.
It can be due to overweight though it is a rare occurrence.
Rarely livedo is seen in persons having hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcaemia.
You can get your serum calcium levels and parathyroid hormone level to rule out these.
Yes you will lead a normal life as you don't seem to be having any underlying disorder.
When the blood flow through the feeding arterioles in the skin is reduced, deoxygenated blood collects at produce cyanotic network pattern on the skin which is livedo reticularis.

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

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (10 minutes later)

Hi dr asmeet thanks that reassuring.

When i had my blood done my calcium, phospohurus levels were all OK. If these were not ok by doctor would have carried out any other tests. Liver enzymes etc were all ok, so i dont think it is anything to do with the thyroid. Can i rest assured? And get in the gym to improve health thanks? Final question

It may be mild on arms aswell

My doctor said it may due to my body adapting to cold temperature

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No need of further tests, livedo can occur on arms as well

Detailed Answer:
Yes if your calcium and phosphorus are normal then no need of further tests and your livedo seems to be harmless.
Livedo can occur on arms as well and your doctor is right in saying that it may be due to body adapting to cold temperature.

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. Raju A.T