- Written By: Allison Boelcke
- Edited By: Bronwyn Harris
- Last Modified Date: 26 May 2012
-
Copyright Protected:
2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
Mottled skin, technically referred to as dyschromia, is a condition in which the skin becomes discolored in irregular patches. It is different than other skin discolorations because it is expressly the result of changes in the blood vessels. Although mottling of the skin does not cause any physical pain, it can be a sign of an underlying condition and could also result in self-consciousness or psychological distress.
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.
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Discuss this Article
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anon271277
Post 13 |
I know a person with brain cancer. He has mottled skin tones, purple like in the stomach. What could it be? |
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anon267308
Post 12 |
I've had mottled skin all of my life and I've never had a problem. |
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anon263663
Post 11 |
@anon117841: I read your post and I'm having the same problem. I too have been to the dermatologist and rheumatologist. My blood work has come back with always a slightly high wbc count and they also did a blood test for sjogrens and lupus, which came back positive but they're still not satisfied that these are still the root problem. My regular doctor now wants to do an MRI and check my pituitary gland. I'm in hopes that they find what is wrong with me. I have been going through this for almost five months. I can't do anything without constant pain and I also look like a freak my skin is so bad..Everything has changed so much, I have lost all muscle mass and my skin just looks horrible. I'm 48 and just don't understand whats happening to me. I already have heart problems. I wish you the best. Just keep telling your regular doctor you need that MRI. And if he or she doesn't do it find you another one who will. Good luck to you and God bless you. I hope we both and everyone else with the same health issues can get the help we deserve and need to have some quality of life again. |
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anon259561
Post 10 |
I have mottled skin. It's kind of strange, if you ask me. |
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anon254976
Post 9 |
I have had mottled skin all of my life. I inherited it from my father's side of the family. He had it all of his life, and my daughter also has it. My family doctor told me when I was young, it was my body's way of trying to keep warm when I get chilly. We have seen no health issues. I am 48. |
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anon180225
Post 8 |
Look up sepsis. It is very dangerous. The body has an infection. It can put toxins in the bloodstream and cause the immune system to attack your organs. |
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anon159343
Post 7 |
I was born with mottled skin and have had it all my life! It appears when I get cold and you can't see it at all when I'm warm! I've never had any serious health problems that could be attributed to this! |
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anon145876
Post 6 |
I think anon may need to be checked for multiple sclerosis.
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anon126933
Post 5 |
How about your blood pressure? If it's high consider Sneddon's Syndrome. Characteristics include headaches, high blood pressure and mottling of the skin in the absence of an underlying disease/condition. |
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anon121339
Post 4 |
sounds like rynad syndrome. |
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anon117841
Post 3 |
I have mottling skin and no doctors seem to know why. I get cluster headaches and my skin only gets like that when I'm standing and worsen when I'm cold. Much pain comes along where I can't even sit or stand for too long due to pain. I have seen a dermatologist, a rheumatologist, an internal medicine doctor and they all keep telling me nothing is wrong because my blood tests are all good. Every day I do research on the Internet and I came across the pituitary gland, which could be a reason why. I asked my doc to check my hormones and she never wants to. Is there anybody out there who can help me? |
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mitchell14
Post 2 |
It is interesting how even harmless-seeming changes in the skin or other appearances can be a sign of a dangerous condition, but that seems to be common. After all, even a tan can be as dangerous as sunburn when talking about skin cancer, so it makes sense that the skin is such an indicator of overall health. |
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sapphire12
Post 1 |
I had no idea mottled skin could be a sign of something more serious, though i don't know if I've ever known anyone who had it. |
