Dermatologist Dr. Joseph Jorizzo says, “your skin can be a window to your underlying health.” One such clue is livedo reticularis (LR), or “mottled skin,” where purplish, net-like patterns appear, usually on the arms or legs. This happens when blood flow slows or is interrupted and often fades when the skin warms.

While harmless in cold weather, persistent LR can hint at deeper issues. It may appear in newborns, women aged 20–50, or anyone sensitive to temperature changes. Causes include low oxygen, poor circulation, blood vessel spasms, or medications like amantadine.

Doctors classify LR as physiological (primary) — temporary and benign — or pathological (secondary), which can signal conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, or even Sneddon’s syndrome and cholesterol embolization.

According to Verywell Health, persistent LR “may accompany autoimmune, vascular, or infectious diseases.” Treatment depends on the cause: warming the skin and improving circulation for primary LR, or using medications such as anticoagulants or corticosteroids and lifestyle changes for secondary LR.

Ultimately, “the skin often reflects truths the body is trying to tell us.” Paying attention to changes can help detect illness early — turning awareness into prevention.