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Idiopathic livedo reticularis
Livedo reticularis; Primary livedo reticularis
Idiopathic or primary livedo reticularis refers to a netlike pattern of reddish-blue skin discoloration. Usually the legs are affected. The condition is linked to swollen blood vessels. It may get worse when the temperature is cold.
Idiopathic means the cause is unknown.
Treatment
The cause of primary or idiopathic livedo reticularis is not known, therefore specific treatment is usually not recommended. If the condition is due to exposure to cold, keeping the legs warm may help relieve the symptoms. Exercise to increase circulation may also help.
References
Katugampola RP, Finlay AY. Livedo reticularis. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, Coulson I, eds.
Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies
. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 134.
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Livedo reticularis - close-up - illustration
This is a close-up view of livedo reticularis. Livedo is a descriptive term used to describe the red, non-blanchable (doesn't turn white when pressed) network-pattern (reticulated) in the skin caused by plugging of the blood vessels. This condition has many causes.
Livedo reticularis - close-up
illustration
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Livedo reticularis on the legs - illustration
This is a close-up view of livedo reticularis on a person's legs. Livedo is a descriptive term used to describe the red, non-blanchable (doesn't turn white when pressed) network-pattern (reticulated) in the skin caused by plugging of the blood vessels. This condition has many causes.
Livedo reticularis on the legs
illustration
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Cholesterol emboli Livedo Reticularis - feet - illustration
Cholesterol emboli block small vessels in dependent areas of the body, here on the foot. The resulting superficial tissue may infarct, and lower vessels may dilate to try and compensate. This creates a livedo, or 'lace-like' pattern.
Cholesterol emboli Livedo Reticularis - feet
illustration
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Livedo reticularis - close-up - illustration
This is a close-up view of livedo reticularis. Livedo is a descriptive term used to describe the red, non-blanchable (doesn't turn white when pressed) network-pattern (reticulated) in the skin caused by plugging of the blood vessels. This condition has many causes.
Livedo reticularis - close-up
illustration
-
Livedo reticularis on the legs - illustration
This is a close-up view of livedo reticularis on a person's legs. Livedo is a descriptive term used to describe the red, non-blanchable (doesn't turn white when pressed) network-pattern (reticulated) in the skin caused by plugging of the blood vessels. This condition has many causes.
Livedo reticularis on the legs
illustration
-
Cholesterol emboli Livedo Reticularis - feet - illustration
Cholesterol emboli block small vessels in dependent areas of the body, here on the foot. The resulting superficial tissue may infarct, and lower vessels may dilate to try and compensate. This creates a livedo, or 'lace-like' pattern.
Cholesterol emboli Livedo Reticularis - feet
illustration
Review Date: 4/14/2015
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
