What does mottling skin look like?

Author: Eloise Homenick  |  Last update: Sunday, January 18, 2026

What does mottled skin look like? The condition causes patches of discoloration in a lace-like pattern, with pale skin at the center. The reticula may be reddish-blue or purple and may come and go. Symptoms often affect only certain areas of your body, like your lower limbs.

What does the beginning of mottling look like?

Mottling of the skin is a common symptom that occurs near the end of life. Red and purples spots appear on the toes, feet, and fingers and spread slowly up the arms and legs.

How long do you live once mottling starts?

Once mottled skin appears, how long until death occurs? Mottling of skin occurs during the last week of life. Sometimes it may occur sooner or within just a few days of death.

Which of the following conditions would likely cause mottled skin?

Medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to skin changes like mottling. Mottled skin might indicate serious medical conditions like sepsis. However, conditions this serious usually show signs and symptoms long before mottled skin shows up.

What is a mottled skin appearance?

Livedo reticularis, commonly known as mottled skin, causes patterned areas to appear on the skin. It may result from reduced blood flow to the skin, for example, because of a health condition or cold weather.

Mottling of Skin at the End Of Life

What is mottling an indication of?

When a patient is declining, one sign you may notice in particular is mottled skin before death. What is mottled skin? Mottling occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump blood effectively.

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 autoimmune diseases cause mottled skin?

Autoimmune and connective tissue disorders that can lead to mottled skin include:
  • Dermatomyositis.
  • Fibromyalgia.
  • Lupus.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Sjögren syndrome.

Is it bad to have mottled skin?

Mottled skin is usually nothing to worry about and clears up on its own, but in some cases, it may be caused by an underlying health condition. If you notice your skin looks mottled contact your doctor who will ask questions and examine you to check for any underlying causes.

What is the difference between cutis marmorata and mottling?

In contrast to cutis marmorata, the mottling does not resolve when the skin is warmed, and the discoloration is bluish purple rather than red. The lesion is more intense and is persistent. Presumably, the condition results from slow or stagnant blood flow, vessel-wall pathology, and decreased oxygen tension.

What is the first organ to shut down when dying?

The first organ system to “close down” is the digestive system. Digestion is a lot of work! In the last few weeks, there is really no need to process food to build new cells. That energy needs to go elsewhere.

What is likely to happen 2 weeks prior to death?

During 1 to 2 weeks before death, the person may feel tired and drained all the time, so much so that they don't leave their bed. They could have: Different sleep-wake patterns. Little appetite and thirst.

Which signs would you notice if the end of life is near?

Changes in the last hours and days of life
  • Becoming drowsy. You'll start to feel more tired and drowsy, and have less energy. ...
  • Not wanting to eat or drink. Not wanting to eat is common in people who are dying. ...
  • Changes in breathing. ...
  • Confusion and hallucinations. ...
  • Cold hands and feet. ...
  • More information.

What is end of life mottling?

Mottling is a common occurrence in the last days or hours of life and is considered a normal part of the dying process. Dryness: Dehydration and decreased oil production can lead to dry, flaky skin, which may feel rough and tight to the touch.

What is the most common symptom in the last 48 hours of death?

Actively Dying: 24 - 48 Hours before Death
  • Breath/Respiratory Changes. ...
  • The Death Rattle. ...
  • Agitation and Restlessness. ...
  • Vital Signs. ...
  • Temperature Fluctuations. ...
  • Mottling/Circulatory Compromise. ...
  • Urine Output. ...
  • Minutes from dying.

Can stress cause skin mottling?

Physiologic LR (cutis marmorata ): Considered a variation of normal, PLR is a temporary reaction triggered by cold weather or stress. It is commonly seen in people who have no underlying medical conditions. Primary LR: This benign intermittent mottled skin is unrelated to temperature and without known cause.

What drugs cause livedo reticularis?

Drug-related: Adderall (side effect) Amantadine (side effect) Bromocriptine (side effect)

Does mottled skin mean sepsis?

Signs of sepsis are: • Pale, blotchy or blue skin, lips or tongue. Blotchy skin is when parts of your skin are a different colour than normal. Sometimes it is hard to know if you or somebody you look after has sepsis, or if it is something else, like flu or a chest infection.

Is mottled skin an emergency?

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 to worry about mottled skin?

While there are no other symptoms, people who have mottled skin may have an underlying health disorder that causes it to develop. Contact a healthcare provider if you notice mottled skin developing on your legs or anywhere else on your body. They will be able to determine the cause and start treatment if need be.

What does skin lupus look like?

The rash associated with acute cutaneous lupus appears in a recognizable butterfly pattern that spreads across the nose and cheeks. This rash is flat, red, and itchy, and it usually appears after sun exposure. Occasionally, a rash may appear on other parts of the body, such as the arms and legs.

What vitamin deficiency causes livedo reticularis?

In conclusion, it appears that pernicious anaemia can now be added to the list of the causes or associations linked to livedo rerticularis. Investigations to rule out vitamin B12 deficiency in cases of livedo reticularis and aphthous ulceration are warranted, as correction of the deficiency leads to a rapid cure.

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.

Is vaseline good for stasis dermatitis?

Cool compress: Apply a cold washcloth or towel over the affected area for 15 minutes to relieve itching and discomfort. Moisturize: Use fragrance-free moisturizers like Vaseline to soothe and moisturize the skin.

What does sepsis skin rash look like?

If an infection such as blood poisoning (septicemia) triggered your condition, you may develop a sepsis rash on your skin. The rash makes your skin appear red and discolored. You may see small, dark-red spots on your skin.

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