Blotchy skin on hands
Causes, Symptoms, Pictures, Treatment, and More
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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.What is mottled skin?
Mottled skin, also called livedo reticularis, is skin that has patchy and irregular colors. The skin may have red and purple marks, streaks, or spots. It may also have a marbled appearance with different colors.
Read on to learn several causes of mottled skin and what you can do about it.
The main symptom of mottled skin is a blotchy appearance with red or purple spots. The irregular skin color can appear on any part of the body. You may see a lacy network of patches on the skin.
Accompanying symptoms that are concerning and require medical treatment include:
- painful nodules
- ulcers on the skin
Mottled skin often resolves itself. If it doesn’t go away on its own, seek medical attention for a diagnosis.
Many conditions can cause mottled skin. Blood circulation problems and blood vessel spasms are two common causes. Causes also include:
Shock
Shock is a serious and life-threatening condition. Accidents, trauma, blood loss, infections, poisons, or burns can cause shock. Mottled skin accompanied by other symptoms can be a sign of shock and requires immediate medical help. The symptoms of shock include:
- mottled, cold, or pale skin
- breathing problems
- larger-than-normal pupils
- rapid pulse
- rapid breathing
- nausea and vomiting
- weakness
- dizziness
- fainting
Shock is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Cold environment
Exposure to cold environments can cause mottled skin. Cold temperatures can affect your blood circulation. Other symptoms may include feeling cold, shivering, or numbness.
Vascular diseases
Vascular diseases affect the blood vessels in the body and can cause mottled skin. Vascular conditions include:
- atherosclerosis
- blood clots
- aortic aneurysms
Other symptoms will vary based on the specific vascular disease and may include breathing problems, pain, or fatigue.
Reactions to medications
Mottled skin can be a side effect of or reaction to some medications. Other symptoms will vary based on the type of medication and your allergies. Drugs that are known to cause mottled skin include:
- amantadine
- catecholamines
- minocycline (Minocin)
- gemcitabine (Gemzar)
Lupus
One of the symptoms of lupus is mottled skin. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that is inflammatory in nature. Other symptoms of lupus include:
- butterfly rash on the face
- fatigue
- pain, swelling, or stiffness
- dry eyes
- fever
- sun sensitivity
- toes and fingers that turn blue in the cold
- problems breathing
- headaches
Antiphospholipid syndrome
Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the blood vessels. One of the symptoms is mottled skin that usually appears on the knees or wrists. Other symptoms of antiphospholipid syndrome include:
- seizures
- headaches
- dementia
- blood clots
- strokes
Pancreatitis
Mottled skin can be caused by pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. Other symptoms of pancreatitis include:
- pain in the upper abdomen
- fever
- nausea
- vomiting
- fast pulse
End-of-life stage
When a person is close to dying, mottled skin may appear. Other end-of-life symptoms of include:
- problems swallowing
- refusing water and food
- being unconscious or delirious
- problems breathing
- feeling extreme fatigue and weakness
- decreased cardiac activity
Complications are possible if the cause of the mottled skin is a medical condition that isn’t addressed. Mottled skin that clears up on its own or is caused by the cold usually doesn’t have complications.
Some newborn babies have mottled skin. Usually, this benign condition goes away on its own. Exposure to cold temperatures frequently causes it. Treatment includes keeping the baby warm and avoiding the cold. There is usually no need to have additional medical treatment.
There is no one specific treatment for all mottled skin cases. Treatment depends on the cause of this condition and other symptoms that appear along with the skin mottling.
Shock requires immediate medical attention. Once the person is in the hospital or emergency room, they will likely receive oxygen and intravenous fluids and undergo tests so doctors can determine the underlying cause.
Vascular diseases are often treated with lifestyle changes and medications that lower blood pressure or cholesterol. You may also be given drugs that help prevent your arteries from narrowing. If you have an aneurysm, you may need surgery in some cases. Skin mottling should resolve once your underlying condition is managed.
For skin mottling caused by a medication, talk to your doctor about your options. They may decide to reduce your dosage or change to a different medication.
If you have an autoimmune disease like lupus that’s causing your mottled skin, your doctor will prescribe medications to help control your immune response and reduce inflammation. If you’re feeling uncomfortable with how your skin looks, makeup may help minimize the appearance of mottling or skin rashes associated with lupus.
Mottled skin caused by cold environments can often be resolved with home remedies and cold-reducing measures. Layering warm clothing, using heated blankets, and rubbing the affected areas vigorously can all help reduce the blotchiness that comes with cold. If you deal with extreme temperatures, these tips may help you stay safe.
For mottled skin associated with the end-of-life stage, treatment will focus on keeping the person comfortable. Hospice care centers and staff can offer helpful support to you or your loved one during this stage.
It may be possible to prevent mottled skin in some cases. Prevention may include:
- avoiding cold environments or taking appropriate measures to stay warm
- not smoking, since smoking can cause circulation problems
- making lifestyle changes to reduce risk of certain vascular problems
Depending on the cause of the mottled skin, you may be able to make a complete recovery. If your mottled skin is caused by a medical problem, getting treatment for it may also help.
Causes, Symptoms, Pictures, Treatment, and More
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.What is mottled skin?
Mottled skin, also called livedo reticularis, is skin that has patchy and irregular colors. The skin may have red and purple marks, streaks, or spots. It may also have a marbled appearance with different colors.
Read on to learn several causes of mottled skin and what you can do about it.
The main symptom of mottled skin is a blotchy appearance with red or purple spots. The irregular skin color can appear on any part of the body. You may see a lacy network of patches on the skin.
Accompanying symptoms that are concerning and require medical treatment include:
- painful nodules
- ulcers on the skin
Mottled skin often resolves itself. If it doesn’t go away on its own, seek medical attention for a diagnosis.
Many conditions can cause mottled skin. Blood circulation problems and blood vessel spasms are two common causes. Causes also include:
Shock
Shock is a serious and life-threatening condition. Accidents, trauma, blood loss, infections, poisons, or burns can cause shock. Mottled skin accompanied by other symptoms can be a sign of shock and requires immediate medical help. The symptoms of shock include:
- mottled, cold, or pale skin
- breathing problems
- larger-than-normal pupils
- rapid pulse
- rapid breathing
- nausea and vomiting
- weakness
- dizziness
- fainting
Shock is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Cold environment
Exposure to cold environments can cause mottled skin. Cold temperatures can affect your blood circulation. Other symptoms may include feeling cold, shivering, or numbness.
Vascular diseases
Vascular diseases affect the blood vessels in the body and can cause mottled skin. Vascular conditions include:
- atherosclerosis
- blood clots
- aortic aneurysms
Other symptoms will vary based on the specific vascular disease and may include breathing problems, pain, or fatigue.
Reactions to medications
Mottled skin can be a side effect of or reaction to some medications. Other symptoms will vary based on the type of medication and your allergies. Drugs that are known to cause mottled skin include:
- amantadine
- catecholamines
- minocycline (Minocin)
- gemcitabine (Gemzar)
Lupus
One of the symptoms of lupus is mottled skin. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that is inflammatory in nature. Other symptoms of lupus include:
- butterfly rash on the face
- fatigue
- pain, swelling, or stiffness
- dry eyes
- fever
- sun sensitivity
- toes and fingers that turn blue in the cold
- problems breathing
- headaches
Antiphospholipid syndrome
Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the blood vessels. One of the symptoms is mottled skin that usually appears on the knees or wrists. Other symptoms of antiphospholipid syndrome include:
- seizures
- headaches
- dementia
- blood clots
- strokes
Pancreatitis
Mottled skin can be caused by pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. Other symptoms of pancreatitis include:
- pain in the upper abdomen
- fever
- nausea
- vomiting
- fast pulse
End-of-life stage
When a person is close to dying, mottled skin may appear. Other end-of-life symptoms of include:
- problems swallowing
- refusing water and food
- being unconscious or delirious
- problems breathing
- feeling extreme fatigue and weakness
- decreased cardiac activity
Complications are possible if the cause of the mottled skin is a medical condition that isn’t addressed. Mottled skin that clears up on its own or is caused by the cold usually doesn’t have complications.
Some newborn babies have mottled skin. Usually, this benign condition goes away on its own. Exposure to cold temperatures frequently causes it. Treatment includes keeping the baby warm and avoiding the cold. There is usually no need to have additional medical treatment.
There is no one specific treatment for all mottled skin cases. Treatment depends on the cause of this condition and other symptoms that appear along with the skin mottling.
Shock requires immediate medical attention. Once the person is in the hospital or emergency room, they will likely receive oxygen and intravenous fluids and undergo tests so doctors can determine the underlying cause.
Vascular diseases are often treated with lifestyle changes and medications that lower blood pressure or cholesterol. You may also be given drugs that help prevent your arteries from narrowing. If you have an aneurysm, you may need surgery in some cases. Skin mottling should resolve once your underlying condition is managed.
For skin mottling caused by a medication, talk to your doctor about your options. They may decide to reduce your dosage or change to a different medication.
If you have an autoimmune disease like lupus that’s causing your mottled skin, your doctor will prescribe medications to help control your immune response and reduce inflammation. If you’re feeling uncomfortable with how your skin looks, makeup may help minimize the appearance of mottling or skin rashes associated with lupus.
Mottled skin caused by cold environments can often be resolved with home remedies and cold-reducing measures. Layering warm clothing, using heated blankets, and rubbing the affected areas vigorously can all help reduce the blotchiness that comes with cold. If you deal with extreme temperatures, these tips may help you stay safe.
For mottled skin associated with the end-of-life stage, treatment will focus on keeping the person comfortable. Hospice care centers and staff can offer helpful support to you or your loved one during this stage.
It may be possible to prevent mottled skin in some cases. Prevention may include:
- avoiding cold environments or taking appropriate measures to stay warm
- not smoking, since smoking can cause circulation problems
- making lifestyle changes to reduce risk of certain vascular problems
Depending on the cause of the mottled skin, you may be able to make a complete recovery. If your mottled skin is caused by a medical problem, getting treatment for it may also help.
Acne appeared on the palms - we recognize and treat rashes on the hands
The appearance of pimples on the skin of the face or back is a common thing for many people, causing only grief and annoyance. In the modern world, there is no such person who would not encounter such rashes. But if acne has formed on the palms, it causes panic for many, because the point here is no longer the usual blockage of pores. The reasons for this phenomenon can be quite serious. Therefore, if acne appears on the palms, it is necessary to contact a dermatologist to clarify the situation. nine0003
Contents of the article
In fact, various pathogenic elements on the skin of the palms appear infrequently and, as a rule, are detected almost immediately, since each person washes their hands several times a day. For this reason, banal non-compliance with personal hygiene is usually not a provoking factor in the occurrence of acne. In most cases, such pathogenic elements indicate the presence of certain malfunctions in the body or any diseases.
It is impossible to start illnesses in which acne appears on the palms, because the hands are always in sight and during the day they come into the field of view of a person many times. But it is very difficult to independently establish the cause of this phenomenon, because their list is quite extensive.
A few single pathogenic elements on the skin of the palms or fingers, in most cases do not pose any threat and do not indicate serious disorders. Such manifestations usually disappear in a few days on their own, however, an extensive scattering of rashes requires the help of a doctor. Therefore, if pimples appear on the palms in large numbers, it is recommended that you contact a specialist without delay. nine0003
The most common causes of these pimples are:
- Some insect bites, resulting in watery pimples or blisters.
Bite
- Disorders of the digestive system. Diseases such as dysbacteriosis, gastritis or ulcers. As well as the usual non-compliance with proper nutrition, when a person’s diet is not balanced and does not provide the body with all the important nutrients.
- Allergic manifestations, for example, in contact with various household chemicals, dust, hair of some animals, with plants and their pollen, with certain foodstuffs and other substances. Sometimes similar manifestations are observed when eating allergenic foods. As a rule, such rashes are always accompanied by very intense itching. nine0020
Allergy itching
- Fungal infections. Of course, in most cases, harmful fungi affect the nail plates, as well as part of the skin located near them, but in some situations, rashes of this kind spread to the entire surface of the hands, including the palms. In this case, an abundance of small red pimples can be observed on the skin, accompanied by peeling of the epidermis and itching.
Fungus on palm
- Excessive sweating of the palms. As a rule, profuse sweating in this area is associated with metabolic disorders or stressful situations. In such cases, small pimples form on the surface of the palms.
- Infection with enterovirus infection. At the same time, pimples in the form of bubbles or small red spots are formed on the palms, characterized by soreness. Such a rash is accompanied by an increase in temperature.
- Serious emotional stress and stressful situations. nine0020
- Chicken pox. The disease occurs mainly in childhood, with small watery pimples covering the entire body, and not just the hands. The disease is accompanied by a rise in temperature. Chickenpox does not need treatment, as the formations gradually disappear on their own.
- Dyshidrosis. In this case, a large number of pimples with watery contents appear on the surface of the palms, which is accompanied by very intense itching.
Dyshidrosis
- Scabies. The causative agent of the disease is a scabies mite that moves under the skin, forming passages visible to the eye as small grayish stripes. In this case, in the course of movement of microorganisms, small red pimples are formed.
Scabies
- Contact dermatitis, eczema and other skin diseases. In most cases, all of them are accompanied by the formation of rashes, itching and severe discomfort.
Eczema on the palm
- Herpes. The manifestations of this virus are usually reflected on the face, but if the infection was primary or the immune system is severely weakened, then similar elements may appear on the skin of the hands.
Herpes
Pimples on the palms can be varied, for example, subcutaneous, similar to warts or superficial, have the form of small reddish dots or blisters with a watery structure. In some cases, such pathogenic elements can be quite large. nine0003
The treatment of a large number of pimples on the hands should always begin with a visit to a dermatologist and his consultation. In some cases, the doctor immediately determines the cause of the appearance of such formations, but sometimes an examination may be required to establish the exact factors and draw up a treatment plan.
The most common treatment for acne on the palms is to take antihistamines with the simultaneous use of topical agents. Such therapy is prescribed for various skin lesions, such as contact allergies, dermatitis, eczema. Simultaneously with these drugs, vitamins are often prescribed, especially C, B and A, as well as E, which is necessary to accelerate skin regeneration. nine0003
Depending on the cause of the rash, the patient may be advised to restore the intestinal microflora and treat gastrointestinal diseases, diuretics, immunostimulants and sedatives. In the presence of intense itching, drugs of the glucocorticosteroid group are often prescribed, usually topical application in the form of gels and ointments.
With severe inflammation and soreness of the affected skin, it is often prescribed to treat the epidermis with drugs such as Resorcinol, Dimexide or ordinary boric acid. It is also recommended to apply drying ointments with an active anti-inflammatory effect. Such ointments include Celestoderm, Triderm, Salicylic, Zinc, Boric. nine0003
If acne is caused by an infection, the patient is prescribed antibiotics according to the type of a specific pathogen. With a fungal infection, the use of special drugs belonging to the fungicidal group is required.
Some recipes of traditional medicine can also be used for treatment, in particular, decoctions of medicinal herbs such as calendula, string, chamomile, celandine, tinctures of these herbs, both alcohol and water. With the help of decoctions, you can carry out mini-baths for hands, apply compresses, prepare ice cubes for rubbing the skin. Decoctions can be taken orally. Often, in the treatment of various rashes, aloe vera (the pulp and juice of the plant), as well as preparations based on it, are also used. nine0003
It is important to remember that you should not treat a large number of acne on your hands on your own. In order for the therapy to be adequate and correct, it is necessary to accurately find out the cause of such manifestations and have a complex effect on it. Self-medication often brings much more harm and serious complications than good.
In order for the treatment of rashes on the palms to be successful, it will be necessary to follow the doctor's recommendations in terms of lifestyle and certain nutrition, so often patients have to change a lot. It is required to protect the skin of the hands from any contact with dirty water and household chemicals, as well as other possible irritants. nine0003
It is very important to do any housework with gloves, and before putting them on, you need to lubricate your hands with cream.
After doing housework, remove gloves immediately, wash hands thoroughly with clean water and mild soap, dry gently with a cotton towel and immediately apply cream.
Hands should be washed as often as possible during treatment. It is also required to avoid touching the affected hands to the skin of the body or face in order to prevent the possible spread of infection and the appearance of acne throughout the body. nine0003
For washing hands, it is best to use a mild soap that does not contain aggressive components and artificial additives, which has a healing effect and accelerates skin regeneration. This category includes the usual natural solid laundry soap, herbal baby soap and tar soap.
Nutrition during the treatment of acne on the hands plays an important role. During this period, you should follow a certain diet, excluding from the diet all foods that can provoke an allergic reaction and significantly worsen the situation. It is necessary to abandon the use of chocolate, nuts, honey, citrus fruits, strawberries, eggs, seafood and various exotics, as well as all allergens that cause an inadequate reaction in the human body. nine0003
You should also exclude from the menu sweets, smoked meats, fatty foods, coffee, spicy and salty foods, alcoholic and carbonated drinks, dairy products and everything that can create an ideal environment for the development of pathogenic microflora.
It is necessary to enrich your diet with natural vegetable oils, fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, fresh lean meat and poultry, as well as dairy products.
To prevent the recurrence of acne on the palms, you should follow a few simple rules, for example:
- Avoid skin contact with allergenic substances.
- Do not share towels or manicure utensils with others.
- Avoid overheating of hands at any time of the year.
- Replace all soaps, hand and body gels containing dyes, fragrances and synthetic additives with natural skin care products.
- While at work, it is important to wash your hands as often as possible by drying them with your own towel.
- After visiting public places, traveling in the subway or other transport, after skin contact with money or printed publications, you should wipe your hands with special wet wipes with an antibacterial effect.
It is important not to forget about applying the cream on the skin of the hands. It is advisable to do this after each hand washing.
When pimples appear on the palms, there is no need to panic and try to solve such a problem on your own. It is necessary to contact a qualified specialist, establish the cause and undergo adequate treatment. It is important not to forget about the simple rules of personal hygiene and not be lazy, wash your hands as often as possible, lubricating them with a high-quality cream to moisturize, nourish and increase local skin immunity. nine0003
Axon Medical Center
Dyshidrosis is a skin lesion predominantly of the hands and feet, the symptoms of which resemble eczema and are accompanied by the formation of intraepidermal transparent vesicles. Previously, it was thought that the disease is associated with blockage of the ducts of the sweat glands.
Causes
The main causes of hand dyshidrosis are imbalance of the nervous system against the background of nervous stress, anxiety, psychological trauma, fears (with low stress resistance), as well as mental, nervous and emotional overload, mental overwork. The mechanism of the development of the disease is a violation of the innervation of the sweat glands of the skin from the autonomic nervous system. Most often, such a violation of innervation occurs in the area of \u200b\u200bthe hands, which leads to the diagnosis of "dyshidrosis of the hands." nine0147 In addition to disorders of the nervous system, dyshidrosis (including dyshidrosis of the hands) may be associated with deterioration in the functions of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine disorders, reduced immunity, and exposure to toxic chemicals.
In some cases, dyshidrosis occurs as a side effect of antibiotics and other medications. Dyshidrosis of the hands can also occur in the form of an allergic disease (food allergy).
Hand dyshidrosis often occurs in people suffering from hyperhidrosis, as it belongs to the same group of diseases associated with an imbalance of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. A factor contributing to the development of dyshidrosis may be malnutrition. nine0147 Symptoms
Dyshidrosis is manifested by the appearance on the lateral surfaces of the fingers, palms, soles, sometimes on the back of the hands, fingers and feet, numerous bubbles that are located deep in the skin layer. They are filled with liquid and resemble transparent grains that are dense to the touch. These bubbles can vary in size from a pinhead to a pea. When they appear, the patient may be disturbed by itching and burning. In this case, the affected areas turn red and swell. nine0147 Vesicles often merge with each other, their contents dissolve, they become flat and disappear, leaving behind yellowish crusts. Otherwise, the edema gradually increases, and the accumulations of bubbles merge into bubbles of various sizes.
If a person suffering from this disease scratches the affected areas of the skin, they can become inflamed. Then the contents of the bubbles becomes cloudy and acquires a yellow tint. Pustules appear on the skin. In hot weather, such rashes can cover the entire surface of the body.