What causes cutis marmorata in neonates?

Cutis marmorata is a skin condition observed in neonates that manifests as a marble-like, bluish mottling of the skin. It is primarily caused by a vasomotor response to chilling. In this scenario, the baby's immature nervous system leads to ineffective regulation of blood flow in the skin, causing veins to become more prominent and giving the skin its characteristic marbled appearance. This condition is often seen when a neonate is exposed to cool temperatures, as the body's response to conserve heat results in changes in blood flow.

While infections, genetic disorders, and allergies can also present with skin changes, they do not lead to the specific vascular response characteristic of cutis marmorata. The condition is generally harmless and tends to resolve as the neonate's thermal regulation improves with age. Understanding this physiological response is important in assessing and managing the skin conditions of neonates, especially in a clinical setting.