Mottled skin, or dyschromia, manifests as uneven, blotchy patches on the skin, often indicative of underlying vascular changes. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, dyschromia is a common dermatological complaint among patients, though its prevalence varies widely based on the specific type and cause. While mottled skin itself is typically painless, it can signal more serious health issues, such as circulatory problems or, in rare cases, life-threatening conditions like sepsis. Understanding what mottled skin is crucial not only for cosmetic reasons but also for one's overall health, as early detection and treatment of the underlying cause can be vital.
Blood vessels are a series of narrow tubes that help transport blood from the heart throughout the rest of the body and back again to the heart. Some blood vessels are located just beneath the skin’s surface, which can make them visible in certain individuals with light colored skin. If any condition results in changes to the blood vessels, they can end up causing mottled skin. Common causes of changes to the blood vessels include increases or decreases in body temperature, aging, blood disorders, or even heart disease.
The main symptom of mottled skin is red or purple patches that occur on any area of the skin. These changes generally occur once the blood vessels are constricted. The blood vessels cannot properly distribute blood throughout the body and blood may build up in certain areas close to the skin’s surface.
Mottled skin is typically treated by having a doctor determine the underlying cause. He or she may recommend that patients who constantly get skin mottling should be especially careful to wear protective gloves and other clothing when their skin is going to be exposed to heat or cold. If the mottling is due to a specific disorder, it will generally subside once the underlying disorder is treated.
People with less skin pigmentation are generally at a higher risk for skin mottling than those with darker complexions. This is simply due to the fact that the blood vessels are typically much more visible in people with more translucent skin. The red or purple discoloration may not be as noticeable in dark skin; however, those with darker complexions may still experience blood vessel changes, just without the visible evidence.
In rare cases, skin mottling can be a sign of a serious immediate health concern. If the mottling comes on suddenly and appears with other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or pain in the area, it could be a sign of physical shock. In these cases, a doctor will need to find out immediately if the person has any other serious preexisting conditions or injuries or it could be fatal if not treated. Mottling can predict survival in septic shock patients.
Autoimmune Diseases
Often, autoimmune diseases can also be a cause of mottled skin. These include:
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Known as Lupus, SLE is an autoimmune condition affecting the soft tissues, kidneys, and skin. Mottling on the skin is seen in several lupus patients. A butterfly rash on the face is a typical feature of the disease. Different types of cutaneous (skin) mottling are observed in lupus patients. This mottling is present on the hands, face, and other regions.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Antiphospholipid syndrome affects the blood vessels, leading to mottling of skin on the wrists and knees. Symptoms like headaches and seizures can accompany mottling.
Side Effects of Medicines
Though rare, skin mottling can be a side effect or reaction to certain medications. Drugs associated with skin mottling include catecholamines, minocycline, and gemcitabine.
Pancreatitis
Another medical condition that can make the skin mottled is inflammation of the pancreas. Also known as pancreatitis. Pain in the abdomen with fever is a common symptom of pancreatitis.
End-Stage Disease
Mottled skin may appear in patients in the end-of-life stage (close to dying). Mostly, mottling occurs with other end-of-life symptoms. These are symptoms such as breathing, swallowing problems, and reduced heart health.
What is Mottled Skin in Infants and Babies?
Mottled skin is common in newborn babies, and the condition is known as Cutis Marmorata. In most cases, the changes in skin appearance are due to the body’s response to cold temperature. As such, they do not need treatment.
Risk Factors for Skin Mottling
People with less skin pigmentation are generally at a higher risk for skin mottling than those with darker complexions. This is simply due to the fact that the blood vessels are typically much more visible in people with more translucent skin. The red or purple discoloration may not be as noticeable in dark skin; however, those with darker complexions may still experience blood vessel changes, just without the visible evidence.
How To Prevent the Formation of Mottled Skin?
Mottling is often associated with cold and poor circulation. You can prevent the condition with some simple yet effective steps. Walk, stay warm, massage your body, and reduce compression on the extremities.
Carrying out regular exercise can be beneficial in maintaining an excellent cutaneous blood supply. Even walking can do the job and prevent mottling.
Prone individuals must reduce pressure from the arms and legs. Changing sitting positions after some time can take off the pressure from your legs. Avoiding tight clothing can also reduce the pressure on the extremities. Which helps improves blood circulation.
Massaging the limbs is also a good practice to improve the blood flow of the region. Studies show that massage therapy efficiently enhances peripheral blood flow, especially in young women. This therapy can help prevent skin mottling.
Patients who suffer from skin mottling should wear protective clothing when their skin is going to be exposed to heat or cold. Such patients are also advised to wear multiple layers of clothing. Or one thick layer of clothing to stay warm and away from mottling.
How Is Mottled Skin Treated?
Mottled skin is typically treated by having a doctor determine the underlying cause. He or she may recommend that patients who constantly get skin mottling should be especially careful to wear protective gloves and other clothing when their skin is going to be exposed to heat or cold. If the mottling is due to a specific disorder, it will generally subside once the underlying disorder is treated.
Mottling due to cold subsides when the external cold stimulus is taken away. However, in cases of mottling due to shock, the patients are managed by the administration of intravenous fluids and oxygen.
Vascular disease patients are given medications to widen the arteries (and prevent future narrowing). Drugs may include blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medicines. Aneurysms are also managed either via surgical or non-surgical interventions.
Autoimmune diseases are managed using disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and anti-inflammatory medications. There is no definitive cure for the autoimmune disease. But mottling on the skin subsides when the disease progression is controlled.