Why Do My Legs Get Purple?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Purple skin results from

bleeding and bruising

, broken blood vessels (hemorrhage), and low levels of blood oxygen (hypoxemia). Purple skin may occur in conditions affecting the skin itself or along with a more generalized disorder resulting from conditions such as drowning or chronic heart and lung diseases.

Is livedo reticularis serious?

Livedo reticularis itself is relatively benign. However, thromboembolic disease due to associated conditions such as antiphospholipid syndrome

may lead to serious arterial events

, including the death of the patient.

Why do my legs go purple and blotchy?

Livedo reticularis is thought to be

due to spasms of the blood vessels or an abnormality of the circulation near the skin surface

. It makes the skin, usually on the legs, look mottled and purplish, in sort of a netlike pattern with distinct borders. Sometimes livedo reticularis is simply the result of being chilled.

What does purple mottled skin mean?

Mottled skin is also known as

livedo reticularis

. It can be a standalone condition or a symptom of another disorder. It may also be a side effect of certain medications, such as drugs prescribed for Parkinson’s. Mottled skin is characterized by purple or reddish patches that cover the legs, arms, or upper body.

What does mottling of the legs mean?

The mottled definition is that

of smears and spots of colors presenting on any surface

. Thus, mottled skin, also known as livedo reticularis or dyschromia, occurs when the skin shows patchy and irregular colors.

What causes discoloration of lower legs?

The reddish-brown discoloration on the lower legs is caused by

chronic venous disease

–the abnormal function of veins. When your veins can’t pump blood back up to the heart properly, it pools in your lower legs. Symptoms start with slight skin irritations and itchiness, then manifest varicose veins.

What does poor circulation in legs look like?

Symptoms of poor circulation are often easy to spot. They include

muscle cramping, constant foot pain, and pain and throbbing in the arms and legs

. As well as fatigue, varicose veins, and digestive issues. Leg cramps while walking and wounds that don’t seem to heal in your legs, feet, and toes are also symptoms.

Should I worry about Livedo Reticularis?

Treatment. Physiological livedo reticularis is a normal, transient phenomenon that has no known medical consequences. Aside from warming up the skin,

no treatment is required

.

Does Livedo Reticularis 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.

How do you get rid of blotchy legs?

Try using

a day cream and night cream

, such as from the . Along with this, ensure skin maintain hydration by drinking enough water throughout the day. After you exfoliate to remove dirt and dead skin, use a light cream to help re-hydrate any essential oils that may also have been.

What does mottling look like in a dying person?

Mottling occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump blood effectively. The blood pressure slowly drops and blood flow throughout the body slows, causing one’s extremities to begin to feel cold to the touch. Mottled skin before death presents as

a red or purple marbled appearance

.

How do you get rid of mottled skin?

Treatment options


There is no one specific treatment for all mottled skin cases

. Treatment depends on the cause of this condition and other symptoms that appear along with the skin mottling. Shock requires immediate medical attention.

Why do my feet turn purple when I cross my legs?


Peripheral artery disease

, a condition characterized by poor blood flow to the lower extremities, can cause the feet to gradually turn purple or blue. Diabetes can have a similar effect on the feet. If you notice a discoloration in the skin of your feet, please see that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

What are the first signs of your body shutting down?

  • abnormal breathing and longer space between breaths (Cheyne-Stokes breathing)
  • noisy breathing.
  • glassy eyes.
  • cold extremities.
  • purple, gray, pale, or blotchy skin on knees, feet, and hands.
  • weak pulse.
  • changes in consciousness, sudden outbursts, unresponsiveness.

What does it mean when bruises appear on legs?

Unexplained

bruising

on the legs can occur in both adults and children due to a variety of factors, including injury, age, an underlying health condition, or even things like medication. For example, in adults, bruising can occur more easily as we age due to thinning of the skin.

What is mottling before death?

Mottling occurs

when the heart is no longer able to pump blood effectively

. The blood pressure slowly drops and blood flow throughout the body slows, causing one’s extremities to begin to feel cold to the touch. Mottled skin before death presents as a red or purple marbled appearance.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.