MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Livedo reticularis on the legs

Skip navigation

Medical Encyclopedia

Livedo reticularis on the legs

This is a close-up view of livedo reticularis on a person's legs. Livedo is a descriptive term used to describe the red, non-blanchable (doesn't turn white when pressed) network-pattern (reticulated) in the skin caused by plugging of the blood vessels. This condition has many causes.

Update Date: 4/7/2008

Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy, ELS. Previsouly reviewed by Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (4/28/2006).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.