What causes blotchy skin discoloration?

Author: Mrs. Kaia Koss V  |  Last update: Thursday, October 2, 2025

Irregular or patchy discoloration of the skin can be caused by: Changes in melanin, a substance produced in the skin cells that gives skin its color. Growth of bacteria or other organisms on the skin. Blood vessel (vascular) changes.

Why is my skin blotchy and discolored?

Skin discoloration affects many people. Discoloration may appear as a birthmark or after an infection, or from pigmentation disorders or diseases like cancer. Seek treatment from a healthcare provider for any new or changing moles, markings or skin discoloration.

What is blotchy skin a symptom of?

However, serious health conditions can also cause blotchy skin. This article outlines some of the many potential causes of blotchy skin. They include skin conditions like eczema and rosacea, infections like scarlet fever and shingles, temperature exposure, stress, pregnancy, and more.

What deficiency causes blotchy skin?

Skin lesions associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. Cutaneous lesions that do not respond to conventional therapy can be an indication of vitamin B12 deficiency. Malabsorption is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency.

What autoimmune disease is discolors skin?

Vitiligo (vit-ih-LIE-go) is a disease that causes loss of skin color in patches. The discolored areas usually get bigger with time. The condition can affect the skin on any part of the body. It can also affect hair and the inside of the mouth.

LIGHT SPOTS & PATCHES ON BROWN OR DARK SKIN? Causes & Treatment - Dr.Nischal K | Doctors' Circle

What does autoimmune skin look like?

Symptoms of Autoimmune Skin Disorders

Red, Scaly Patches: These can be itchy and painful, often seen in conditions like psoriasis. Rashes: Lupus and dermatomyositis often cause distinctive rashes on the face and body. Hardening and Tightening of Skin: Scleroderma leads to thick, shiny patches of skin.

What are the three common types of discoloration?

What are the Symptoms of Skin Discoloration?
  • Hyperpigmentation characterized by darkened areas.
  • Hypopigmentation, presenting as lighter skin.
  • Redness or red discoloration due to increased blood flow to the affected areas.
  • Poor circulation may result in a bluish or purple hue.

Why am I suddenly blotchy?

Blotchiness and uneven skin tone can be due to many factors including sun exposure and heredity. You may see red, white or dark patches on your skin. These blotchy patches of skin may become more visible when dead surface skin is not regularly exfoliated.

What does a B12 rash look like?

The allergy can be triggered by taking vitamin B12 supplements because B12 contains cobalt atoms. Cobalt allergies most often develop in people exposed to it in eye makeup, tattoos, or industrial products, causing an itchy, red, scaly rash.

Can low iron cause blotchy skin?

Anemia rashes appear as itchy skin or tiny red dots under your skin called petechiae. The rashes are symptoms of iron deficiency anemia and aplastic anemia. Both types of anemia can be serious, but they are very treatable.

When should I be concerned about skin blotches?

A new, widespread rash can be a sign of a more severe issue. If the rash spreads quickly, it could be an allergic reaction. But rashes that spread slowly should also be examined. Some viral infections and other conditions may involve a full-body rash.

What do leukemia blotches look like?

Leukemia rashes appear as tiny red spots or purple areas that do not fade when pressed; these are caused by low platelet levels and the rupture of very small blood vessels in the skin. These spots are also known as petechiae or purpura, depending on their size.

What virus causes blotchy skin?

Various illnesses, such as mononucleosis, chickenpox, sixth disease, and measles, can cause viral rashes. A viral rash may appear as small bumps, blisters, or patches in various parts of the body. The rash typically goes away once the illness has run its course.

When should I worry about blotchy skin?

See your health care provider if: The discolored, mottled skin doesn't go away with warming. You have discolored, mottled skin along with other symptoms that concern you. Painful lumps develop in the affected skin.

When should I be concerned about discoloration?

Call your health care provider for an appointment if you have: Skin discoloration that causes significant concern. Persistent, unexplained darkening or lightening of the skin.

How to fix blotchy skin?

Treating blotchy skin involves identifying the underlying cause, whether it's environmental, related to skin conditions, or exacerbated by lifestyle factors. Implementing a gentle skincare routine, protecting the skin from sun damage, and consulting a healthcare provider for persistent issues are effective strategies.

What does a liver disease rash look like?

People may have a reddish purple rash of tiny dots or larger splotches, caused by bleeding from small blood vessels in the skin. If the liver function has been impaired for a long time, people may itch all over.

What vitamin deficiency causes skin discoloration?

The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].

What does a kidney rash look like?

Rash symptoms

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), people with chronic kidney disease may have: small, dome-shaped, very itchy bumps. small bumps that have joined to form raised, rough patches. blisters on the hands, face, and feet that may crust over.

What autoimmune disease causes blotchy skin?

Autoimmune and connective tissue disorders that can lead to mottled skin include: Dermatomyositis. Fibromyalgia. Lupus.

Does poor circulation cause blotchy skin?

Severe mottling of the skin can indicate poor circulation as well as other causes. One possible disease is Livedo reticularis. This affects not just the extremities, but also the trunk. The constriction of the vessels is reduced when one moves from cold air or cold water into warm spaces.

What does a circulation rash look like?

The rash may look red or brown in lighter skin tones. And it may look purple, brown, gray, or ashen in darker skin tones. Other symptoms of stasis dermatitis include: Thick, dry, scaly skin.

What do liver spots look like?

Liver spots are flat, dark patches of skin. They are not dangerous or uncomfortable. But you may want treatment for cosmetic reasons. Your dermatologist can recommend creams, lotions, gels or in-office procedures to lighten skin.

What does acanthosis nigricans look like?

The main sign of acanthosis nigricans is dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases. It often appears in the armpits, groin and back of the neck. It develops slowly. The affected skin might be itchy, have an odor and develop skin tags.

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