HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Visible Dark Purple Veins Over The Back Of The Arm?

default
Posted on Fri, 24 Aug 2018
Question: I have dark purple veins all over the back of my arm 2 weeks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (50 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Livedo reticularis Or Erythema ab igne

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I can see a reticulated net like pattern on the back of your arm.
I will keep a possibility of either livedo reticularis Or erythema ab igne.
Is it only on one side? Or does this affect both your arms?
Any history of localized heating pad application for muscle pain?
Any other significant medical history?like atherosclerosis?or coronary artery disease?or connective tissue disease?

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 minutes later)
No heating pad or any heat it’s only on that arm now but it’s getting darker and spreading no just kidney stone
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Livedo reticularis

Detailed Answer:

Hi

I will keep livedo reticularis as the most likely possibility.
Livedo reticularis is most commonly idiopathic and due to sluggish venous circulation which presents as a lacy, reticular/net like pattern. It is more common in females and mostly seen in cold weather. Keeping the body warm helps.
How is the weather in your area? Is it cold?
Rarely livedo can be due to underlying causes like lupus and other autoimmune connective tissue disorders, endocrine abnormality like hypothyroidism, malignancy etc

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (20 minutes later)
It’s been cold but don’t let myself get to cold what kind of test Needs to be needs to be done and could this be. Sign of cancer or kidney or liver problems.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (22 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Regarding livedo reticularis

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Just protect yourself from cold. Idiopathic livedo reticularis should resolve in a few days- another week or so..
If it doesn't resolve I would suggest a few lab tests like Complete Blood Count (CBC) , Liver and Kidney Function test, Thyroid screening, RF Factor, ANA, Urine routine, Stool for occult blood, Chest X ray and abdominal ultrasound and a Mammography

Take Care!
Dr. Kakkar S.,
Dermatologist
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Visible Dark Purple Veins Over The Back Of The Arm?

Brief Answer: Livedo reticularis Or Erythema ab igne Detailed Answer: Hello, I can see a reticulated net like pattern on the back of your arm. I will keep a possibility of either livedo reticularis Or erythema ab igne. Is it only on one side? Or does this affect both your arms? Any history of localized heating pad application for muscle pain? Any other significant medical history?like atherosclerosis?or coronary artery disease?or connective tissue disease? Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.