Livedo reticularis

Livedo reticularis is a violaceous discoloration of the skin with a characteristic network pattern.
Most common on the legs, it can be the result of many causes including intravascular obstruction, vessel wall disease including vasculitis, physiological - where it is called cutis marmorata -, secondary to chronic heat application, erythema abigne, and idiopathic.
Livedo reticularis is accentuated by cold.
Other evidence of compromised peripheral circulation, such as ulceration, may be present.

Treatment:

• Keep the extremity at body temperature.
• Rule out treatable systemic causes.
• Oral aspirin, pentoxifylline, and androgens have been reported to be sometimes helpful.

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