Yes! What's being described sounds like livedo reticularis — a blotchy, lace-like or fishnet-patterned discoloration that can appear on the legs or arms. It can show up as red, blue, purple, or dark brown depending on your skin tone.
This is something many people with lupus experience, and you're definitely not alone. A Show Full Answer
Yes! What's being described sounds like livedo reticularis — a blotchy, lace-like or fishnet-patterned discoloration that can appear on the legs or arms. It can show up as red, blue, purple, or dark brown depending on your skin tone.
This is something many people with lupus experience, and you're definitely not alone. A MyLupusTeam member shared: "Today I noticed the mottled, weblike pattern on my thighs after a shower, and hours later it's still there." Livedo reticularis is commonly triggered by temperature changes, including:
- Stepping out of a warm shower into cold air
- Exposure to cold water
- Cold environments in general
It can also be linked to Raynaud's phenomenon, which affects up to one-third of people with lupus, causing blood vessels to constrict in response to temperature changes. The good news is that livedo reticularis is usually harmless and temporary. If it fades after warming up, it's generally not a cause for alarm.
However, it's worth mentioning to a rheumatologist or dermatologist if:
- It doesn't go away after warming up
- It comes with pain, numbness, lumps, or sores
- It's affecting daily life
Keeping a symptom journal to track triggers can also be really helpful!
May 9
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