According to Joseph Jorizzo, MD, from Wake Forest University, “your skin can be a window to your underlying health.” Skin is more than just a protective barrier—it can reveal what’s happening inside the body.

Unexpected skin changes may be the body’s early signal that something more serious is developing. Recognizing these signs can help you take action sooner and seek proper care.

What Is Livedo Reticularis?

Livedo reticularis (LR), also called mottled skin, is a type of discoloration that develops when blood flow to the skin is disrupted. A study on this condition found that LR is often temporary and harmless, usually triggered by cold temperatures or stress. In some cases, however, it can signal an underlying health problem.

LR appears as a purple, net-like or lace-patterned discoloration, often on the arms or legs. It occurs most often in infants and in females between the ages of 20 and 50.

Causes and Triggers

Mottled skin occurs when changes in circulation affect the blood flow close to the skin’s surface. Possible causes include low oxygen levels in the blood, blood vessel spasms, or shifts in circulation.

It can also result from certain health conditions or as a side effect of medications—particularly amantadine, a dopamine agonist used to treat Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and ADHD.

The discoloration usually worsens in cold weather and may fade as the skin warms.

Types of Livedo Reticularis

There are two main forms:

Physiological (Primary) LR: A harmless and temporary reaction to cold, often seen in children, young adults, or people with fair skin.