Livedo

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Livedo is a medical term used to describe a mottled reticular pattern on the skin. It is generally a symptom of an underlying condition, rather than a disease in itself. The term "livedo" is derived from the Latin word "lividus", which means "bluish" or "lead-colored".

Types of Livedo[edit | edit source]

There are two main types of livedo: Livedo reticularis and Livedo racemosa.

Livedo reticularis is characterized by a reddish-blue, net-like pattern (reticulum) on the skin. It is often seen in the elderly, especially during colder months, and usually disappears with warming.

Livedo racemosa is a more severe form of livedo that does not disappear with warming. It is characterized by a broken, irregular, and branched pattern. This type of livedo is often associated with serious conditions such as vasculitis, antiphospholipid syndrome, and Sneddon's syndrome.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Livedo can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for livedo depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, treating the underlying condition can help to reduce the appearance of livedo. In other cases, livedo may be a chronic condition that cannot be fully treated.

See also[edit | edit source]

Livedo Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD