Livedo

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:

Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels can cause livedo.
Antiphospholipid syndrome: This is an autoimmune disorder that can cause blood clots and livedo.
Sneddon's syndrome: This is a rare condition characterized by livedo racemosa and strokes.
Raynaud's disease: This condition causes small blood vessels to narrow, leading to livedo.

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
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