The appearance of red dots on your skin can be concerning, but thankfully, most cases are harmless and clear up on their own. However, some instances might indicate a more serious condition requiring medical attention.
Here are 11 common causes of red dots on the skin:
1. Heat Rash (Miliaria): Blocked sweat glands trap sweat under the skin, leading to small, red, itchy or prickly bumps, often in skin folds. An image of heat rash can be found in the referenced document.
2. Cherry Angiomas: Small, benign growths of blood vessels appearing as round, red or purple spots, common in adults over 30. An image of cherry angiomas can be found in the referenced document.
3. Contact Dermatitis: An itchy red rash from skin contact with an irritant or allergen, potentially causing swelling, dryness, and flakiness. An image of contact dermatitis can be found in the referenced document.
5. Insect Bites: Various insects cause red bumps or spots; appearance varies by insect. Examples include small, red, raised mosquito bites, tiny red chigger bumps in clusters, and red, itchy bed bug bumps in a line or cluster. An image of insect bite red spots can be found in the referenced document.
4. Ringworm (Tinea Corporis): A fungal infection presenting as a red, blotchy, circular rash with raised edges. An image of ringworm can be found in the referenced document.
5. Insect Bites: Various insects cause red bumps or spots; appearance varies by insect. Examples include small, red, raised mosquito bites, tiny red chigger bumps in clusters, and red, itchy bed bug bumps in a line or cluster. An image of insect bite red spots can be found in the referenced document.
6. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): A chronic inflammatory condition causing red, itchy, and scaly rashes, often in skin folds. An image of atopic dermatitis can be found in the referenced document.
7. Drug Rash: An allergic reaction to medication causing hives, rashes, or blisters. An image of dermatitis medicamentosa (drug rash) can be found in the referenced document.
8. Pityriasis Rosea: A common rash starting with a larger spot (herald patch) followed by smaller, oval-shaped spots that can be scaly and itchy. An image of pityriasis rosea can be found in the referenced document.
9. Blood Spots (Purpura) and Petechiae: Red or purple spots from burst blood vessels under the skin. Petechiae are smaller (less than 2 mm) and don't blanch when pressed; purpura are larger. An image of petechiae can be found in the referenced document.
10. Swimmer's Itch (Cercarial Dermatitis): An itchy, bumpy red rash after swimming in water contaminated with parasites. An image of swimmer's itch can be found in the referenced document.
11. Psoriasis: A chronic autoimmune disorder causing red, itchy, scaly patches, often on elbows, knees, and scalp. An image of psoriasis can be found in the referenced document.
When to seek medical advice
Consult a doctor or dermatologist if red spots persist for more than a week, are accompanied by fever, pain, or swelling, change in size, shape, or color, or bleed or do not heal.
