Why does my skin look blotchy purple?

Author: Reece Anderson  |  Last update: Thursday, July 31, 2025

It may result from reduced blood flow to the skin, for example, because of a health condition or cold weather. Mottled skin may be temporary. When a person has livedo reticularis a blotchy or web-like pattern of red, blue, or purple lines appears across the skin.

Why does my skin turn purple and blotchy?

Mottled skin is usually a temporary condition. It occurs when blood flow to tiny vessels under your skin is disrupted. This results in a fine, bluish-red, lace-like pattern (reticula). The condition is also known as livedo reticularis.

What causes purple blotches on skin?

Purpura causes red, purple or brown blood spots on your skin. It happens when small blood vessels leak blood under your skin's surface. There are different types of purpura. Treatment for purpura depends on the underlying condition causing it.

When should I be worried about mottled 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.

Why does my skin have a purple tint?

Purple skin is a symptom that typically results from an injury or heart and lung disorders. It is commonly connected with bruising and low levels of blood oxygen.

Purple lace type of discoloration on lower extremities signify Livedo Reticularis - Dr. Nischal K

Why do I see a purple tint?

Cones are the cells in the eyes that see color. If you stare at one color for too long, they fatigue. Until they recover, it's a common optical illusion to see the opposite color on the color wheel. So, staring at yellow for too long can make you see purple.

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.

Can liver problems cause mottled skin?

The skin is a vital organ that can tell us a lot about our health. Changes in skin color or the development of spots can indicate liver damage and disease, even in the absence of other symptoms.

Can heart problems cause mottled skin?

Skin Color Changes

A lacy, mottled, purple pattern shows up when bits of built-up cholesterol plaques break off, then get stuck in small blood vessels. You might get bloody splotches just under the skin on the inside of your hands and the soles of your feet when you have endocarditis.

How do you get rid of purple blotchy skin?

Try gentle exercises to improve circulation or deep breathing exercises. If you smoke, consider quitting. Quitting can improve blood flow and make your skin healthier. If mottled skin isn't linked to cold, stress, or smoking, it's time to talk and make an appointment and see your health care provider in person.

What does purplish blotches mean?

Purpura is a collection of small blood pools beneath the skin. These occur when blood vessels burst near the skin's surface and may appear red, purple, or black. Purpura is a symptom and not a condition itself. People may refer to these presentations as skin hemorrhages or blood spots.

Why is my skin purple but not bruised?

Cyanosis refers to a bluish-purple color of the skin. It is most easily seen where the skin is thin, such as the lips, mouth, earlobes and fingernails. Cyanosis means there may be decreased oxygen in the bloodstream. It may suggest a problem with the lungs or heart.

How close to death does mottling occur?

Mottling is typically seen in the last week of life, although there is no exact timeline. It can occur in the final week or not until the final hours.

What is the fastest way to get rid of purpura?

It usually resolves once the cause is treated. Corticosteroid medication: This stops the destruction of platelets, which quickly raises counts. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg): This raises platelets quickly.

What are the four warning signs of a damaged liver?

Early symptoms can include:
  • Feeling generally unwell.
  • Feeling tired all the time, even when you have rested.
  • Feeling or being sick.
  • Pain or a sore feeling under your ribs on your right side.
  • Small spider like veins showing on your skin above waist level (spider angiomas)
  • Blotchy red palms.
  • Trouble sleeping.

What is the best drink to flush your liver?

Tumeric tea is considered one of the best drinks for liver detox. Studies show that turmeric has properties that can decrease the key pro-inflammatory molecules that initiate, develop, or worsen diseases like liver disease.

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 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.

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 does purple tint mean?

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

UV rays from the sun can accelerate the degradation of dye molecules in window tint films. When exposed to UV radiation over an extended period, the chemical bonds in the dye molecules weaken and break, causing the color to shift towards purple.

What causes purple pigment?

Anthocyanins. Certain grapes, eggplants, pansies and other fruits, vegetables and flowers may appear purple due to the presence of natural pigments called anthocyanins.

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