Mottling

Blotchy, red-purplish marbling of the skin with a patchy, irregular shape and color. This finding most frequently occurs first on the feet, then progresses proximally, up the legs. Mottling is caused by poor circulation due to hypovolemia or pump failure. Mottling is one of several "skin signs" (including pallor, coolness, and delayed capillary refill time) common in young trauma patients and is a good indicator of perfusion and resuscitation status. Mottling is also a premorbid finding in terminal patients. PRONUNCIATION: MOT-ling.