If you’re like me, you’ll regularly examine your body for lumps, bumps, bruises, and anything else that just doesn’t feel right.
Call me paranoid or overly cautious, but I like to know what’s going on in my body and I like to be prepared to seek medical help if I ever find something that suggests an unexplainable change.
It turns out that red spots on the skin aren’t that uncommon. In fact, there are several causes, so I thought it would be helpful to list them here for anyone who might find themselves in the same situation.
It’s important to note that red spots on the skin can come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and shades, and their meanings can be just as broad. Some are completely harmless, while others can have potentially serious causes.
Petechiae and purpura:
These petechiae, which look like tiny red dots on the skin, are the result of damaged blood vessels or capillaries. They can be caused by stress, coughing, or certain medications. They are usually harmless but may indicate underlying medical problems such as platelet disorders.
Cherry angiomas
They appear as small, raised, bright red bumps and arise from an overgrowth of blood vessels. Cherry angiomas are usually completely harmless and often become more common with age.
Heat rash
Simple and quite common depending on the environment. The rash occurs when sweat gets trapped in the sweat ducts, producing a pattern of itchy red dots on the skin.
Allergic reactions
This goes without saying. The result of an allergic reaction to foods, substances, medications, or insect bites or stings, resulting in skin redness and itching.
Folliculitis
Inflammation of hair follicles usually triggered by bacterial or fungal infections. The result is the formation of pus-filled red dots that can cause discomfort.
Cellulitis
A bacterial skin infection that causes redness and swelling of the skin, which is warm to the touch. Cellulitis often requires medical attention and treatment with antibiotics.
Impetigo
A contagious bacterial infection that is often easily transmitted between children. Impetigo is characterized by red sores that open, ooze fluid, and then form a crust.
Vasculitis
A disease characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels. Vasculitis causes the appearance of red spots on the skin and may be linked to autoimmune diseases or infections.
Hemangiomas
These are birthmarks resulting from abnormal blood vessel growth. Occasional medical intervention may be necessary, but they are generally harmless.
In conclusion, the appearance of red dots on the skin does not necessarily mean that you should worry. That said, it is important to consult a doctor if:
Red spots are accompanied by fever, pain, or other discomfort.
The spots increase rapidly in size, number, or intensity.
These spots are accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or dizziness.