If you have these red dots on your skin, this is what it means

If you’re anything like me, you regularly check your body for lumps, bumps, bruises, or anything else that seems out of place.

Call me paranoid or overly cautious, but I like to know what’s going on with my body—and I like to be prepared in case I ever need to seek medical advice if I find something that signals an unexplained change.

So you can imagine my surprise when, one morning, I discovered a cluster of red dots on my shoulder. As is often the case these days, I immediately turned to the internet to see what I could find.

It turns out that red dots on the skin aren’t all that uncommon. In fact, there are a number of possible causes, so I thought it might 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 vary widely in size, shape, and shade—and what they indicate can be just as varied. Some are completely harmless; others may point to more serious underlying causes that you should be aware of.

Petechiae and Purpura

Tiny red dots on the skin may be caused by broken blood vessels or capillaries. These can result from pressure, coughing, or certain medications. While they are usually harmless, they can sometimes signal underlying medical conditions such as platelet disorders.

Cherry Angiomas

These appear as small, bright red, raised bumps and are caused by the overgrowth of blood vessels. Cherry angiomas are typically completely harmless and become more common as we age.

Heat Rash

Simple and fairly common depending on your environment. This "rash" occurs when sweat becomes trapped in the sweat ducts, creating a pattern of red, itchy spots on the skin.

Allergic Reactions

This one’s self-explanatory. It’s the result of an allergic reaction to foods, substances, medications, or insect bites or stings, leading to skin redness and an itchy rash.

Folliculitis

An inflammation of the hair follicles, usually caused by bacterial or fungal infections. The result is red, pus-filled bumps that can be uncomfortable.

Cellulitis

A bacterial skin infection that causes redness and swelling in the skin that feels warm to the touch. Cellulitis often requires medical attention and treatment with antibiotics.

Impetigo

A contagious bacterial infection that often spreads easily among children. Impetigo is characterized by red sores that break open, ooze fluid, and later form a crust.

Vasculitis

A condition involving inflammation of the blood vessels. Vasculitis can cause red spots to appear on the skin and may be linked to autoimmune disorders or infections.

Hemangiomas

These are birthmarks caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels. While they are generally harmless, medical intervention may occasionally be needed.

In conclusion, the appearance of red spots on the skin is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, it’s important to seek medical advice or treatment if:

• The red spots are accompanied by fever, pain, or other discomfort.
• The spots increase rapidly in size, number, or intensity.
• They are accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or dizziness.

Did you find this article interesting? If so, check out the related articles below: