Red spots on skin can be troubling and even annoying if they are accompanied by itching, but they aren’t necessarily a sign of a serious health issue. There may be a range of causes for these spots, from allergies and bug bites to skin conditions such as psoriasis or rosacea. In some instances, red spots may be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, but in those cases they are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, pain or lack of energy.
So exactly what type of conditions can red dots on skin indicate? The most common red spots are called angiomas, and they are skin growths caused by blood vessels that clump together beneath the skin. Angiomas usually start out very small and can grow to larger domed bumps. Some babies are born with angiomas that eventually go away on their own. Still other people acquire angiomas as they age, usually on the trunk or mid-section of the body.
While angiomas are completely harmless and generally without side effects, sometimes red spots on skin can also be itchy and irritating. Usually, spots that itch are a sign of an allergic reaction such as hives. Hives can result from exposure to an allergen in food, in the air (i.e. pollen or ragweed) or by touch. Coming in direct physical contact with the allergen will trigger the reaction, which can be aggravating but is generally not serious.
Dermatological conditions such as acne, psoriasis and rosacea can also result in red dots on skin. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and can result in a collection of red bumps, usually on the face but also sometimes on the back or trunk. Psoriasis is a condition which can cause a variety of unsightly growths on the skin, one form of which can be small red spots on the torso, limbs, face or scalp. Rosacea is similar to acne, but can sometimes spread into larger patches of red skin.
Although not nearly as common, there are some serious medical conditions which can manifest as red spots on skin. Among these are Rubella, Impetigo, Lupus, Chickenpox, Scarlet Fever and Lyme Disease.
Usually these conditions will also cause other symptoms so if you have any other issues, like fever, headache, body aches or fatigue, along with the sudden appearance of red spots you should check with your doctor to find out the exact cause.
What’s the treatment for red spots on skin?
In most cases, red dots on skin are not a sign of anything serious but they can be unsightly or aggravating. In these cases, there are steps you can take to lessen the itching associated with them or the appearance of the spots themselves. Medicated ointments, steroid creams, antihistamines and prescription medications can all be used to treat most common skin conditions.
While some red spots on skin will clear up on their own and others with treatment, some may be permanent. In these cases, you can employ various techniques to cover the spots or lessen their appearance. Medicated makeup can be used to conceal spots and lifestyle changes such as changing your diet or identifying and eliminating allergens can help to prevent the occurrence of breakouts.
Again, while red dots on skin are generally not life threatening, any time you have spots that don’t go away over time, change or get worse or don’t seem to have a specific cause, you should consult a dermatologist as these could be indications of a skin cancer. The sooner you get skin cancer properly diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat.
The body is a pretty amazing mechanism and it usually has ways of letting us know when something is wrong. Red spots on skin can be one of the first indicators of a larger problem, so it always pays to be aware of the condition of your skin and to note any changes that may occur. Don’t just blow off those little red spots…your body just might be trying to tell you something important!
