There are two main forms:
Physiological (primary) livedo reticularis
A mild, temporary reaction to cold temperatures.
Common in children, young adults, or people with fair skin.
Usually resolves once the skin warms up.
Pathological (secondary) livedo reticularis
Linked to underlying health problems such as autoimmune diseases, vascular disorders, or blood clotting abnormalities.
More persistent and may require medical evaluation.
Causes and Associated Conditions
The onset of livedo reticularis can result from several different causes:
Exposure to cold: A common and harmless trigger.
Vascular problems: Conditions affecting the blood vessels, such as vasculitis or peripheral artery disease.
Autoimmune diseases: Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or antiphospholipid syndrome.
Blood clotting disorders: thrombophilia or other clotting abnormalities.
Medications: Certain medications, including those used for Parkinson’s disease or blood pressure management, can cause skin changes.
In rare cases, livedo reticularis may involve serious systemic diseases such as Sneddon’s syndrome (a combination of livedo reticularis and stroke risk), polyarteritis nodosa, or cholesterol embolization.
