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2. Underlying Mechanism

People develop mottled skin when something disturbs the blood flow near the skin's surface, resulting in lower oxygen tension. The discoloration occurs due to higher levels of deoxygenated hemoglobin. Constriction of the blood vessels in response to cold temperatures can cause temporary discoloration or exaggerate already existing mottling. Local heat injuries sometimes produce a similar response.

newborn mottled skin legs AWelshLad / Getty Images

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