13 Causes of Red Spots on Skin

Pityriasis rosea is usually diagnosed by its appearance. Sometimes, it will disappear on its own in six to eight weeks. Your provider may give you steroids, antihistamines, or antiviral drugs to help relieve itching and swelling from the rash.

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Tiny Red Blood Spots On Skin / Red Spots on legs, Itchy, Pictures, Dots, Patches . : A cherry angioma can look like a little red bump, though it may lie completely flat on your skin.. These rashes are usually rough and look. Tiny red spots on the skin. Cherry angioma, a common growth created by a collection of small blood vessels. Red spots on skin may appear as dots, patches or blood spots that are flat or raised. Other symptoms include a skin rash with small red bumps and blisters and tiny red burrows on the affected area of skin.

Cherry angiomas, basically a fancy name for red moles, are a collection of small blood vessels that are usually found on your torso, arms, legs, and shoulders if you’re 30 or. It’s best to talk with your pityriasis rosea is an inflammatory skin condition that produces a red rash. Tiny red spots on the skin. This happens when capillaries (tiny blood vessels) break and the blood leaks into the skin. Certain diseases (such as lupus, leukemia and cirrhosis);

I’ve counted on one arm and there is about 35 i have those too, i woke up today and saw a cluster of tiny red dots, almost like someone painted them on my skin. Petechiae, or blood spots, are round, red spots that occur as a result of tiny blood vessels called capillaries bursting under the skin. It’s actually just a cluster of dilated blood vessels. In some cases, they may appear as red spots filled with blood under the skin. Red spots or rashes on the skin may be associated with other symptoms like pain and itching or affected person can be absolutely asymptomatic any kind of spots appearing on or beneath skin should raise an alarm to the person. But, pinpoint red dots under the skin caused by tiny blood vessels breaking could affect your legs, arms, face. Online dermatologist question my husband who is 48 years old. Infections of various kinds and reactions to medication are two common causes of red petechiae blood spots on the small blood vessels contribute to the red coloration, but doctors do not know the exact cause.

The skin condition (petechiae) may or may not be itchy and it is also accompanied by other signs and symptoms such as tiny red spots on the skin are one of the main sign and symptoms that are associated with scarlet fever.

One red dot on skin sometimes look suspicious to the people and they tend to find out the cause. However, serious conditions such as strep throat, scarlet fever, and autoimmune diseases. Allergies, infections, skin irritation, and bites are common causes of red spots on the skin. Could melanoma skin cancer first appear as a red dot, or is a red little spot on the skin usually harmless? Pinpoint your symptoms and signs with medicinenet’s symptom checker. They arent raised at all and dont hurt or. Petechiae, or blood spots, are round, red spots that occur as a result of tiny blood vessels called capillaries bursting under the skin. These bumps may or may not have a head and are usually filled with pus. Cherry angioma, a common growth created by a collection of small blood vessels. Petechiae result from tiny areas of superficial bleeding into the skin. Red spots on the skin are usually small and may appear on the chest, face, arms, legs, and other areas of the body. The common causes of petechiae include local injury and trauma, allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, viral infections that impair blood coagulation, an abnormally high platelet level, certain medical treatments and diseases. Red spots or rashes on the skin may be associated with other symptoms like pain and itching or affected person can be absolutely asymptomatic any kind of spots appearing on or beneath skin should raise an alarm to the person.

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So you’ve got a red mark on to assist in identifying 10 of the most common reasons for red marks on the skin — from spidery the likely culprit: People who suffer from leukemia have damaged white blood cells that interfere with healthy cells. Acne pimples are common on the face, back, or chest. Pinpoint your symptoms and signs with medicinenet’s symptom checker. According to some investigators, these red moles are inherited and thus controlled genetically.

Pinpoint your symptoms and signs with medicinenet’s symptom checker. And malnutrition, to name a few. Certain diseases (such as lupus, leukemia and cirrhosis); Red spots on skin can appear for a number of reasons. Just noticed tiny red dots (not bumps) on the lower shin/calf areas of both legs, approx 6″ beneath knees and 1″ above ankle. These rashes are usually rough and look. Online dermatologist question my husband who is 48 years old. Red spots on skin can have many causes.

Red spots can appear anywhere on the body.

Red spots or rashes on the skin may be associated with other symptoms like pain and itching or affected person can be absolutely asymptomatic any kind of spots appearing on or beneath skin should raise an alarm to the person. Blood spots on skin causes. Learn what causes petechiae and what to do if you see them on yourself or your child. What are the causes of red. These rashes are usually rough and look. They’re not a disease, but a symptom. These tiny red dots on skin have characteristic red color due to the broken blood vessels inside. I’ve counted on one arm and there is about 35 i have those too, i woke up today and saw a cluster of tiny red dots, almost like someone painted them on my skin. Cherry angiomas, basically a fancy name for red moles, are a collection of small blood vessels that are usually found on your torso, arms, legs, and shoulders if you’re 30 or. Red spots on the skin can be caused by a number of skin conditions, including things like pityriasis rosea and heat rash. So you’ve got a red mark on to assist in identifying 10 of the most common reasons for red marks on the skin — from spidery the likely culprit: Red spots on skin can have many causes. Red spots can appear anywhere on the body.

One red dot on skin sometimes look suspicious to the people and they tend to find out the cause. Tiny red spots on the skin. What are the causes of red. This happens when capillaries (tiny blood vessels) break and the blood leaks into the skin. They are caused by a variety of reasons, such as injuries, straining, and sunburns.

Red spots on your skin could be caused by cherry angiomas, papular eczema, acne—the list is long, but treatments are plentiful. According to some investigators, these red moles are inherited and thus controlled genetically. Blood spots on skin are usually not a serious condition as most of the symptoms clear up without treatment. And malnutrition, to name a few. The flat red spots on the skin may be caused by low blood platelets or bleeding of capillaries beneath. Red blood spots on skin can also be caused by side effects of reactions from some medications. Red spots or rashes on the skin may be associated with other symptoms like pain and itching or affected person can be absolutely asymptomatic any kind of spots appearing on or beneath skin should raise an alarm to the person. Cherry angioma, a common growth created by a collection of small blood vessels.

Red spots on your skin can appear as individual tiny red dots that look like pinpoints or are grouped together to form a red rash.

Leukemia is a common cancer of the bone marrow and blood. The skin condition (petechiae) may or may not be itchy and it is also accompanied by other signs and symptoms such as tiny red spots on the skin are one of the main sign and symptoms that are associated with scarlet fever. Online dermatologist question my husband who is 48 years old. Below are the most common causes of tiny red dots or spots on the skin. Inflammatory reactions often trigger an increase in blood flow. Could melanoma skin cancer first appear as a red dot, or is a red little spot on the skin usually harmless? Red spots or dots on skin are common and can affect anyone. Tiny red spots on your skin could be a sign of an infection, injury, or a medication side effect. Its exact cause is unknown, but researchers think it might come from a viral. The mayo clinic explains that a lack of vitamin k is the likely result of petechiae, but webmd also notes that other vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamins c, b12 and folic acid, are causes of red spots on the skin. A cherry angioma can look like a little red bump, though it may lie completely flat on your skin. While tiny red spots that appear on the feet are referred to symptoms of thrombocytopenia. Could tiny red spots on skin be a sign of leukemia?

Source: www.doctorshealthpress.com

It’s best to talk with your pityriasis rosea is an inflammatory skin condition that produces a red rash. While tiny red spots that appear on the feet are referred to symptoms of thrombocytopenia. Blood spots on skin causes. Inflammatory reactions often trigger an increase in blood flow. Red spots can appear anywhere on the body.

Source: cdn.drweil.com

Allergies, infections, skin irritation, and bites are common causes of red spots on the skin. Red spots on your skin can appear as individual tiny red dots that look like pinpoints or are grouped together to form a red rash. These spots may appear as a result of infection; Cherry angiomas, basically a fancy name for red moles, are a collection of small blood vessels that are usually found on your torso, arms, legs, and shoulders if you’re 30 or. This is a condition marked by a low number of red blood other causes, red spots on the skin can occur due to allergic reactions such as purpura allergic.

Source: www.healthrid.org

Its exact cause is unknown, but researchers think it might come from a viral. Red spots are reddish discolorations in the skin which may look like tiny or small bumps, flat marks, irregularly shaped lesions, or discrete dots. What are the causes of red. They are often small, little, tiny or pinpoint and may be itchy or not itchy. Could melanoma skin cancer first appear as a red dot, or is a red little spot on the skin usually harmless?

Source: diabetestalk.net

These bumps may or may not have a head and are usually filled with pus. These spots may appear as a result of infection; Leukemia is a common cancer of the bone marrow and blood. Could tiny red spots on skin be a sign of leukemia? Red spots or dots on skin are common and can affect anyone.

Source: www.healthrid.org

Blood spots on skin are usually not a serious condition as most of the symptoms clear up without treatment. Red spots or rashes on the skin may be associated with other symptoms like pain and itching or affected person can be absolutely asymptomatic any kind of spots appearing on or beneath skin should raise an alarm to the person. Allergies, infections, skin irritation, and bites are common causes of red spots on the skin. Red spots can be harmless or benign, or they may be a sign of a serious disease such as leukemia. It is a hemorrhagic disease that causes blood flow.

Source: www.lightskincure.org

What causes blood spots on skin? Infections of various kinds and reactions to medication are two common causes of red petechiae blood spots on the small blood vessels contribute to the red coloration, but doctors do not know the exact cause. These rashes are usually rough and look. Cherry angioma, a common growth created by a collection of small blood vessels. Blood spots on the skin may result from petechiae, according to the mayo clinic.

Source: s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com

The skin condition (petechiae) may or may not be itchy and it is also accompanied by other signs and symptoms such as tiny red spots on the skin are one of the main sign and symptoms that are associated with scarlet fever. Skinkraft puts together all the causes, ways to this may result in the appearance of tiny red bumps on the surface of your skin. Just noticed tiny red dots (not bumps) on the lower shin/calf areas of both legs, approx 6″ beneath knees and 1″ above ankle. Here’s what to look for. Red spots on the skin can be caused by a number of skin conditions, including things like pityriasis rosea and heat rash.

Source: www.cardiffaestheticandlaserclinic.com

Red spots on skin can have many causes. In some cases, they may appear as red spots filled with blood under the skin. Red spots on your skin can appear as individual tiny red dots that look like pinpoints or are grouped together to form a red rash. Red spots or rashes on the skin may be associated with other symptoms like pain and itching or affected person can be absolutely asymptomatic any kind of spots appearing on or beneath skin should raise an alarm to the person. Red spots are reddish discolorations in the skin which may look like tiny or small bumps, flat marks, irregularly shaped lesions, or discrete dots.

Source: www.thehealthy.com

One red dot on skin sometimes look suspicious to the people and they tend to find out the cause. Allergies, infections, skin irritation, and bites are common causes of red spots on the skin. If you have tiny red, purple, or brown spots on your skin, they could be petechiae. Red spots can appear anywhere on the body. Red spots on skin may appear as dots, patches or blood spots that are flat or raised.

Source: image.slidesharecdn.com

Red spots on the skin are usually small and may appear on the chest, face, arms, legs, and other areas of the body.

Source: www.lightskincure.org

Red spots on your skin can appear as individual tiny red dots that look like pinpoints or are grouped together to form a red rash.

Source: i0.wp.com

Online dermatologist question my husband who is 48 years old.

Source: redspotsonskinhq.com

Could melanoma skin cancer first appear as a red dot, or is a red little spot on the skin usually harmless?

Source: www.treatcure.com

Allergies, infections, skin irritation, and bites are common causes of red spots on the skin.

Source: zajenata.bg

People who suffer from leukemia have damaged white blood cells that interfere with healthy cells.

Source: scarysymptoms.com

Infections of various kinds and reactions to medication are two common causes of red petechiae blood spots on the small blood vessels contribute to the red coloration, but doctors do not know the exact cause.

Source: www.drweil.com

Here is a closer look at the blood spots on skin with focus on red, raised, pictures, causes and how to get rid of them.

Source: www.clevelandclinicmeded.com

How to identify — & treat — red marks on your skin.

Source: skinvision-assets.s3.amazonaws.com

Learn what causes petechiae and what to do if you see them on yourself or your child.

Source: www.treatcure.com

In some cases, they may appear as red spots filled with blood under the skin.

Source: i.ytimg.com

Doctors treat oral or topical using special scabicidal drugs.

These tiny red dots on skin have characteristic red color due to the broken blood vessels inside.

Source: scarysymptoms.com

Red spots on skin may appear as dots, patches or blood spots that are flat or raised.

Source: www.treatcure.com

Red spots on your skin could be caused by cherry angiomas, papular eczema, acne—the list is long, but treatments are plentiful.

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com

Many factors can cause inflammation, which is the most likely reason for reddening of the skin.

Source: www.ufoinsight.com

A cherry angioma can look like a little red bump, though it may lie completely flat on your skin.

Source: www.medhealthdaily.com

If you have tiny red, purple, or brown spots on your skin, they could be petechiae.

Source: assets.skinvision.com

Here is a closer look at the blood spots on skin with focus on red, raised, pictures, causes and how to get rid of them.

Source: www.treatcure.com

The mayo clinic explains that a lack of vitamin k is the likely result of petechiae, but webmd also notes that other vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamins c, b12 and folic acid, are causes of red spots on the skin.

Source: i.ytimg.com

It is a hemorrhagic disease that causes blood flow.

Source: i.ytimg.com

Red spots can appear anywhere on the body.

Source: www.healthline.com

Red spots on the skin has become a common skin condition that can have many underlying causes.

Source: diabetestalk.net

Skinkraft puts together all the causes, ways to this may result in the appearance of tiny red bumps on the surface of your skin.

Source: img.photobucket.com

Here is a closer look at the blood spots on skin with focus on red, raised, pictures, causes and how to get rid of them.

13 Causes of Red Spots on Skin

Cristina Mutchler is an award-winning journalist with more than a decade of experience in national media, specializing in health and wellness content. A multilingual Latina, Cristina’s work has appeared on CNN and its platforms, local news affiliates across the country, and in the promotion of medical journal articles and public health messaging.

Casey Gallagher, MD, is board-certified in dermatology. He is a clinical professor at the University of Colorado in Denver, and co-founder and practicing dermatologist at the Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology in Colorado.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents

Red spots on the skin have a variety of possible causes. For example, contact with something irritating can cause dermatitis, a fungal infection is responsible for ringworm, burst blood vessels cause spots known as purpura, and some autoimmune conditions can cause rashes.

Some spots will go away on their own, but others may need treatment.

This article reviews 13 possible causes of red spots on the skin and whether they are cause for concern, as well as when to seek immediate medical care.

Spots on Different Skin Tones

Spots may not look the same on different skin tones. For example, acne can look red on lighter skin tones but look like dark spots on darker skin tones. Research has also shown that because medical textbooks often lack diverse skin examples when they teach about skin conditions, providers may have a harder time identifying them.

Heat Rash (Milaria)

Red spots on the skin after being in the sun can be caused by a condition called “heat rash.” Heat rash ( miliaria ) happens when sweat glands are blocked under the skin. This causes small, red, prickly bumps on the skin that can be itchy or painful.

Heat rash usually appears in skin folds or on areas of skin where sweat accumulates, such as the armpits, chest, back, arms, and groin.

People who live in hot climates, sweat a lot, or are on prolonged bed rest are more likely to get heat rash.

Heat rash can be treated by lowering the temperature of the skin using home remedies like cooling baths, cold compresses, and wearing loose-fitting clothing. It also helps to avoid slathering on thick moisturizers that trap heat against the skin.

Heat rash usually gets better on its own in a few days. However, if the skin is injured, it can lead to a secondary infection. In severe cases, oral or topical antibiotics are needed to relieve pain and clear up the infection.

Call your healthcare provider if you notice any signs of infection, including a whitish coloring over the heat rash, flaking skin, or a pus-like discharge.

Heat Rash vs. Sun Rash

Having red spots on your skin that itch or burn after you’ve been outside can be caused by the sun or by the heat. While heat rash is caused by high temperatures and sweat, a sun rash is more like getting a sunburn.

Cherry Angiomas

Red spots on the skin can sometimes be a cherry angioma (or cherry hemangioma ), a small skin growth that appears as a round red or purple spot made up of blood vessels. The bumps can be raised or flat. The growths might be mistaken for a tumor, but they are not cancer.

Cherry angiomas are common in adults aged 30 and older. They often show up on the torso, but they can also develop on the arms, legs, and scalp. Sometimes, the growths change in size and may bleed, but this does not mean there is a problem.

Cherry angiomas are diagnosed by having a provider look at them. Usually, they do not require treatment. However, if the look of the growths bothers you or they tend to bleed, you can have them taken off.

Your provider can explain the options for removing the growths, like lasers or liquid nitrogen. Usually, these procedures do not hurt.

Contact Dermatitis

Red spots on the skin can also be from contact dermatitis, a common skin condition. It occurs when your skin comes into contact with something that is irritating or that you are allergic to.

Contact dermatitis usually shows up as an itchy red rash with bumps. It can also cause swollen, dry, flaky skin on any part of the body.

There are two main types of contact dermatitis:

• Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin’s protective barrier is weakened and the skin becomes irritated by a substance.
• Allergic contact dermatitisoccurs when the immune system reacts abnormally to an allergy-causing substance ( allergen ).

Sometimes, it’s easy to figure out what caused the skin reaction—for example, you walked through some poison ivy. If you are not sure what caused the rash, your provider may want you to do a patch test to find out if you are allergic to something that caused the skin reaction.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction—such as difficulty breathing or swelling of your mouth, lips, or throat—call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Contact dermatitis will often clear up on its own in a few weeks as long as you avoid the substance that caused it. Treatment for contact dermatitis depends on the cause but can include over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone cream or prescription oral antihistamines to help with the itching.

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

Red spots on the skin can be from infections like ringworm ( tinea corporis ). Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection that causes red, blotchy, circular rash with raised edges. Ringworm can also cause flaking and peeling skin, but it usually does not hurt.

You can get ringworm on any part of your body, but it’s most often found on the arms and legs.

Ringworm is highly contagious. It’s very easy to spread it through skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated objects or surfaces. Pets can also transmit the fungus that causes ringworm.

A provider can diagnose ringworm based on how it looks. Most cases of ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antifungal cream. If it’s not treated properly, ringworm can spread and may require an oral antifungal drug to clear up.

Drug Rash

Red spots on the skin can also be a reaction to or a sensitivity to an allergen. One example is a drug rash, which occurs when your body has an allergic reaction to a medication. It can also be caused by a drug hypersensitivity or be a side effect of a medication (photosensitive reactions). Drug rashes can appear as hives, rashes, or blisters.

Drug rashes can range from mild to severe. Some cases may even require emergency care. A drug rash can affect the whole body or just one part. It tends to be spread out (diffuse) over the skin.

A provider will review all of the medications and supplements you’re currently taking to figure out if the rash you have could be caused by one of them.

If the condition does not get better after you stop taking a medication, your provider may prescribe treatments such as steroids or antihistamines to help reduce swelling and pain.

Allergic reactions to medication can be serious and sometimes life-threatening. If a rash develops in the hours, days, or weeks after a new medication, contact your provider immediately.

Pityriasis Rosea

Red spots on the skin of kids and teens can be from a condition called pityriasis rosea. It is a common rash that usually affects adolescents, teens, and young adults. It is not a serious condition ( benign ).

Pityriasis rosea usually starts with one larger red spot on the chest, torso, or back that’s followed by smaller red spots that have a ring-like shape. The spots can be scaly and itchy.

Experts don’t know what causes pityriasis rosea, but it is believed to be linked to a viral or bacterial infection. It often shows up after an infection. Sometimes, a person also has a headache, sore throat, and fever.

Pityriasis rosea is usually diagnosed by its appearance. Sometimes, it will disappear on its own in six to eight weeks. Your provider may give you steroids, antihistamines, or antiviral drugs to help relieve itching and swelling from the rash.

Blood Spots (Purpura)

Red spots on the skin can also be blood spots ( purpura ). These red or purple-colored spots may show up on your skin or inside your mouth in small or large patches. Purpura happens when small blood vessels burst and blood pools under the skin.

Blood spots themselves are not necessarily a problem, but they can be a sign of a more serious medical condition. For example, when they are widespread it can be a sign of a blood clotting disorder.

Your provider will do a physical exam and order blood tests (including checking your platelet count) to help diagnose the cause of the blood spots.

Steroids are sometimes prescribed for purpura. Intravenous (IV) medications might be needed if a person with purpura has a low platelet count.

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Red spots on the skin can be from chronic skin conditions. For example, atopic dermatitis ( eczema ) is a common skin disorder that causes red, itchy, scaly rashes usually in skin folds such as the elbows, neck, wrists, and behind the knees or ears.

Atopic dermatitis is usually seen in children under the age of 5. It can usually be diagnosed by a provider through a physical exam.

The treatment for atopic dermatitis usually includes topical steroid creams, antihistamines, or oral steroids for more severe cases. Experts also recommend keeping the skin well moisturized to reduce flare-ups.

Some people with eczema notice redness and itchiness after they take a shower. This can happen if you take hot or long showers or use products that irritate your skin, which dry it out.

Swimmer’s Itch (Cercarial Dermatitis)

Red spots on the skin after swimming can be from “swimmer’s itch ( cercarial dermatitis )” As the name suggests, it’s an itchy, bumpy, red rash that occurs after swimming in water that’s contaminated with parasites known as schistosomes . The parasites can be found both in freshwater and saltwater habitats.

The rash typically develops within a day of exposure to the contaminated water. The rash is not contagious but it does need to be treated.

Topical steroids and oral antihistamines can treat the symptoms, and antibiotics might be needed if the infection doesn’t get better.

Psoriasis

Red spots on the skin can be caused by a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the skin, like psoriasis. This condition is triggered by stress, medications, infection, injury, or environmental factors. A psoriasis rash is itchy and red with silvery plaques, most often on the elbows, and knees. The plaques form when the immune system overproduces skin cells.

A provider can diagnose psoriasis by how it looks. Sometimes, a skin biopsy is used. The treatment for psoriasis depends on how severe the lesions are but can include topical steroid creams, immune suppressant drugs, and UV light therapy.

Cold compresses, moisturizers, and oatmeal baths can also reduce itching from psoriasis.

Lichen Planus

Red spots on the skin can also be caused by other autoimmune diseases. For example, lichen planus causes red spots on the inside of the mouth, nails, scalp, genitals, eyes, throat, and digestive tract. It typically appears as a flat, itchy, purple rash.

The cause of lichen planus isn’t well understood, but some experts think there could be a genetic component to the condition. Lichen planus is more common in women and people between the ages of 30 and 60.

Lichen planus is not contagious. Sometimes it will clear up without treatment but it can also be a problem that comes back.

A provider can diagnose lichen planus with a physical exam. They may recommend treatment with topical steroids, topical retinoids, or oral antihistamines.

Petechiae

Red spots on the skin that look like a rash but are not are often petechiae. These are small red dots that look like a rash. They occur when tiny blood vessels beneath the skin burst. Petechiae tends to be smaller and more diffuse than cherry angiomas.

Petechiae often appear suddenly on the arms, legs, stomach, and buttocks. They are not raised but can spread to different parts of the body and form larger patches. The spots usually do not itch.

Petechiae is actually not a condition but a symptom of an infection, trauma, a bleeding disorder, or an allergy.

A provider can look at the spots to figure out what is causing them. For example, fungal, viral, or bacterial infections like strep throat and scarlet fever are known to cause petechiae.

If there’s no sign of infection and the spots are not spreading, petechiae may not need to be treated. However, if a person also has a fever it can be a sign of a serious infection that needs to be treated right away.

Pimples (Acne Vulgaris)

Red spots on the skin are commonly just pimples ( acne vulgaris ), or inflamed red spots on the face, chest, and upper back. The pimples form when pores become blocked by oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

Mild acne can often be treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) acne products. A more severe form of acne, called cystic acne, may require treatment by a dermatologist.

Treatment for acne includes topical acne medications, oral antibiotics isotretinoin , steroid injections, chemical peels, and hormonal contraceptives.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Red spots on your skin can have many causes and you may not be able to figure out why you have them without seeing a provider. They can look at the appearance and severity of the rash, your medical history, and any underlying conditions you have.

In general, red flag symptoms along with red spots on your skin include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Trouble breathing
• Severe pain or swelling
• Pus oozing from the rash

If you have red spots on your skin and “red flag symptoms,” seek medical care right away.

Summary

Red spots on the skin can have many causes. Some are not serious and will get better on their own without treatment. Other underlying causes are serious and may need to be treated.

Conditions like heat rash, cherry angiomas, lichen planus, and pityriasis rosea often do not need treatment. Acne, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, petechiae, psoriasis, purpura, ringworm, and swimmer’s itch may need to be diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist or other medical specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do red splotches on the face mean?

If the red spots on the skin of your face are actually larger patches, your face might look “splotchy.” Red splotches on the face can be a sign of rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness or blushing across the face that comes and goes. It also causes a feeling of burning or stinging when applying water or skincare products to the affected areas. Rosacea can’t be cured, but treatment can help reduce symptoms.

What can treat skin disorders?

A dermatologist is a provider who specializes in disorders of the skin, However, other specialists can also help treat skin problems, depending on the cause. For example, an allergist can treat skin allergies, a rheumatologist can treat autoimmune skin conditions, and an oncologist can treat skin cancer.

Are red spots signs of skin cancer?

• Squamous cell carcinoma can cause a firm red nodule, flat scaly sores, or a red patch inside the mouth or on the genitals or anus.
• Basal cell carcinoma often causes a white waxy lump or a brown scaly patch on sun-exposed skin.
• Melanoma is often recognized by changes in an existing mole (including changes in color, size, and borders).

21 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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By Cristina Mutchler
Cristina Mutchler is an award-winning journalist with more than a decade of experience in national media, specializing in health and wellness content.