What is Livedo racemosa?

Livedo racemosa describes a reddish- blue mottling of the skin in an irregular, reticular pattern. It differs from the more common livedo reticularis by its shape.

How common is Livedo racemosa?

Livedo racemosa is the presenting manifestation of 25% of patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and is strongly associated with the subgroup that has arterial thromboses, including those with Sneddon syndrome (livedo reticularis and cerebrovascular events).

Is Livedo racemosa painful?

It is not painful. It is simply a discoloration. Physiologic livedo reticularis appears transiently when a person is exposed to the cold, and resolves when the skin is warmed up.

Does Livedo racemosa go away?

The condition usually clears up without treatment. See your doctor in the following situations: The discolored, mottled skin doesn’t go away with warming. The discolored, mottled skin is accompanied by other signs and symptoms that concern you.

What does the term livedo racemosa stand for?

Livedo racemosa is a cutaneous finding characterized by a persistent, erythematous, or violaceous discoloration of the skin, in a broken, branched, discontinuous, and irregular pattern.

What is the difference between livedo racemosa and livedo reticularis?

Abstract Livedo reticularis (LR) is a cutaneous physical sign characterized by transient or persistent, blotchy, reddish-blue to purple, net-like cyanotic pattern. LR is a benign disorder affecting mainly middle-aged females, whereas livedo racemosa (LRC) is pathologic, commonly associated with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.

What’s the difference between livedo racemosa and erythema ab igne?

Both livedo reticularis and livedo racemosa are different than erythema ab igne. Erythema ab igne is a reticular rash that appears after chronic exposure to heat. It is very common to see it after hot-water bottle use.

What’s the difference between livedo racemosa and marble skin?

It is similar, but not identical to livedo racemosa. Other names for these phenomena are ‘cutis marmorata’, ‘skin mottling’ and ‘marble skin’. This is because of the lacy, marbled appearance of pale and visible superficial blood vessels in the skin that are typical of these phenomena.