As a medical professional with expertise in palliative care, I can provide insight into the term "mottling" as it relates to the physical changes that may occur in a dying person. Mottling is a term used to describe a particular skin condition that can be observed in individuals who are nearing the end of life. It is characterized by a purplish or blotchy red-blue coloring on the skin, particularly on areas such as the knees and/or feet. This discoloration occurs because, as a person approaches death, the circulatory system begins to fail. The blood flow to the extremities slows down, resulting in a lack of oxygen to the tissues, which in turn causes the skin to take on this distinctive appearance. Other signs that may accompany mottling include cool or cold hands, feet, and legs, a gradual decrease in blood pressure, and a faster but weaker heart rate. Additionally, fingers, earlobes, lips, and nail beds may appear bluish or light gray, which is another indication of reduced blood flow and oxygenation. read more >>

Hands, feet and legs may feel cool or cold to the touch. Blood pressure gradually goes down and heart rate gets faster but weaker. Fingers, earlobes, lips and nail beds may look bluish or light gray. A purplish or blotchy red-blue coloring on knees and/ or feet (mottling) is a sign that death is very near.read more >>