Livedo Reticularis – What It Is and Why It Matters

If you’ve ever noticed a lace‑like, reddish‑purple pattern on your skin, you’re probably looking at livedo reticularis. It’s not a scar or a rash, but a vascular pattern that shows up when blood flow in tiny skin vessels is disrupted. Most people see it on their legs, arms, or torso, and it can be fleeting or stay for weeks.

What Is Livedo Reticularis?

In simple terms, livedo reticularis is a reaction of the blood vessels under the skin. When the vessels contract or blood gets a bit sluggish, the skin takes on that net‑like coloration. The pattern can be faint in warm weather and get darker when you’re cold, because temperature changes affect circulation.

There are two main types: primary (benign) and secondary (linked to another condition). Primary livedo reticularis usually shows up in younger, healthy people and often disappears on its own. Secondary livedo can signal something deeper, like autoimmune disorders, blood clotting problems, or infections.

What To Do When You Spot It

First, don’t panic. Take a quick photo and note where it appears, how long it lasts, and whether anything makes it worse—cold, tight clothing, or sitting still for long periods. If the pattern shows up only after you’re in the cold and fades when you warm up, it’s likely the benign kind.

However, you should watch for red flags: persistent or spreading patterns, pain, swelling, ulcerations, or any other skin changes. If you have a history of clotting issues, autoimmune disease, or you’re on medication that affects blood flow, call your doctor sooner rather than later.

When you schedule a visit, the clinician will check your pulse, blood pressure, and may order blood tests to rule out inflammation or clotting disorders. Sometimes a skin biopsy is needed, but most of the time a thorough history and physical exam are enough.

In the meantime, simple steps can improve circulation and reduce the appearance. Keep warm, wear loose‑fitting clothing, and move around regularly if you sit for long periods. Gentle leg exercises—like ankle pumps—help push blood through the tiny vessels.

If a secondary cause is found, treatment focuses on that underlying condition. For example, if antiphospholipid syndrome is diagnosed, blood thinners may be prescribed. If an infection is the trigger, antibiotics are used. In many cases, the skin pattern fades as the primary issue gets under control.

Bottom line: livedo reticularis is a visual clue that something about your blood flow is off. Most of the time it’s harmless, but it can also be a signal to check in with a healthcare professional. Keep an eye on the pattern, note any new symptoms, and don’t wait too long to get a professional opinion if it sticks around or gets worse.

Staying informed and acting quickly can turn a puzzling skin change into an early win for your overall health.