Mottled skin can look concerning, but in many cases it’s harmless and temporary.
It often appears as blotchy or net-like patterns on the skin and may be linked to something as simple as cold temperatures but sometimes it can signal an underlying condition. With the help of Lurlyn Pero, MD, an internal medicine specialist with Banner Health, we delve into what mottled skin is, what causes it and what you can do if you notice it on your skin.
What is mottled skin?
Mottled skin, or livedo reticularis, is a skin condition with irregular patches of discoloration forming a net-like or marble-like pattern across the skin, usually on the arms and legs. The skin may have red and purple marks, streaks or spots.
“Mottled skin may appear differently, depending on an individual’s skin tone,” Dr. Pero said. “On light skin, it may vary in shades of red, blue or purple. In dark skin tones, the pattern may be a dark brown.”
Is mottled skin serious?
Most of the time, mottled skin is not serious and goes away on its own. However, if it appears suddenly, spreads or occurs with other symptoms, it should be evaluated by a health care provider.
What causes mottled skin?
Mottled skin is more common in newborns and infants, children and people assigned female at birth. The cause is most often reduced blood flow to areas of the skin, but there may be other factors.
“The cause of mottled skin could be due to benign causes like temperature changes and stress or acute causes due to a medical condition symptom or a medication’s side effect,” Dr. Pero said.
Benign causes
In most cases where the cause is benign, you may notice mottling on the arms, legs and feet. Causes may include:
Cold temperatures: When exposed to cold temperatures, your blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow to the skin’s surface and causing it to appear mottled or blotchy.
Emotional stress: When stressed, your body releases hormones that can affect blood flow, leading to changes in skin color.
Acute causes
When the cause is acute, you may notice mottling throughout the body (including the stomach and chest). These causes may include:
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.
“Mottled skin may also be an early symptom of COVID-19,” Dr. Pero said.
Medication side effects: Certain medications might also trigger mottled skin as a side effect. These may include medications that treat:
When should you worry about mottled skin?
You should seek medical care if mottled skin:
- Appears suddenly or worsens
- Covers large areas of your body
- Happens along with fever, pain or other symptoms
- Does not improve with warming or stress relief
What to do if you have mottled skin
If your skin looks mottled because of cold weather or stress, try warming up if you are cold or relaxation techniques if you are stressed. Warm up your skin with a warm bath, jacket or blanket. 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.
“This is a reason to see your provider face-to-face and not via telehealth, to perform a complete exam of you and your skin,” Dr. Pero said. “They can check if there’s a deeper issue and decide if you need extra tests or treatment.”
Some medications may cause mottled skin as a side effect. Your provider can review your meds and adjust them if needed to help ease the skin trouble. Dr. Pero recommended speaking with your treatment team to discuss any medication side effects you may be having, especially with cancer treatments, and weigh those against the long-term benefit you are looking to gain with your treatment.
If mottled skin is connected to illnesses like lupus, your provider can guide you on the best treatment.
Can you prevent mottled skin?
While mottled skin can’t always be prevented, simple lifestyle changes may help. Here are some tips:
- Stay warm: Cover your hands and feet and dress in layers in cold weather.
- Manage stress: Try activities like deep breathing, meditation or yoga to keep stress levels in check.
- Quit smoking: This can improve your overall health and your skin’s appearance.
- Stay active: Get regular physical exercise, at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
- Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin hydrated and supports healthy circulation.
- Protect your skin: Use sunscreen outdoors to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains provides essential nutrients that support skin health and circulation.
Frequently asked questions about mottled skin
What causes mottled skin?
It is often caused by changes in blood flow due to cold, stress or medical conditions.
Is mottled skin dangerous?
Usually not, but it should be checked if it appears suddenly or with other symptoms.
Does mottled skin go away?
Yes, in many cases it resolves on its own.
When should I see a doctor?
If symptoms persist or are accompanied by other concerning signs.
Takeaway
Mottled skin is usually harmless and temporary, but it’s important to seek care if it doesn’t improve or is accompanied by other symptoms. Find a Banner Health provider near you.
For more related blogs, check out:
- That Skin Condition That Looks Like a Rash Could Be Petechiae
- Fingers Numb and Cold? You Could Have Raynaud’s Disease
- 3 Essential Things to Know about Frostbite This Winter
- Beat the Freeze: Coping with Joint Pain in Winter
- How to Tell If It's a Nickel Allergy That's Making Your Skin Itchy and Red
Content in this article was updated on April 16, 2026.
