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What Causes Red Spots on the Skin?

Find out the causes of red spots and how to recognise the different types.

What's in this article:

Red spots on the skin can vary in size, shape, and location, appearing as isolated marks or in breakouts. They may be varied in appearance, and their colour intensity and texture can provide clues about their cause.  

Red spots can appear due to several reasons: an infection, a reaction to the sun or heat, dermatitis, an allergy or petechiae - tiny purple, red, or brown spots that usually appear on your arms, legs, stomach, and buttocks. 

What Causes Red Spots on the Skin?

Red spots on the skin can be caused by many reasons and understanding them can help in identifying the reason behind their appearance:
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1. Dermatitis

Dermatitis refers to skin inflammation, characterised by red patches, itching, crusting and scaling. There are many types of dermatitis, the most common of which are contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis is caused by a direct contact with a particular substance, such as certain perfumes. Although it usually disappears within a few days or weeks, provided you avoid all contact with the responsible substance, it's best to consult a doctor for the appropriate treatment or to help you identify the cause.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic condition often seen in children, which often subsides in adulthood. It also requires medical attention, and sufferers are advised to use gentle, fragrance-free products developed for sensitive skin.

2. Heat rash and sun allergies

Heat rash, or prickly heat, occurs when sweat glands become blocked, typically in sweaty areas like the armpits, chest, back, arms, and groin. This blockage leads to small, red, itchy, and sometimes painful bumps, which can be filled with liquid.  

It often appears in hot weather or after exercise and usually clears up within a few days. To ease discomfort, applying a cool, damp flannel to the affected area can help soothe the itchiness. 

A sun allergy, caused by a reaction to the sun’s UV rays can also cause red spots, especially in people with fair skin or young women. Unlike heat rash, allergies are observed on skin areas that are most exposed to the sun, such as the décolleté, arms and sometimes the face. Using sunscreen designed for sensitive skin and avoiding prolonged exposure is recommended to protect against irritation. 

 

3. Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis rosea is a common rash that typically affects people aged 10-35, appearing on the body but not the face. 

It often begins with a larger red spot on the chest or back, known as a "herald patch," followed by a smaller, widespread rash after a couple of days. The rash consists of red, raised, scaly patches, usually about 1.5cm in size, that can be itchy but not painful. 

While pityriasis rosea usually resolves on its own, it's important to treat your skin gently. Use products designed for sensitive skin to protect the affected areas from the sun with a gentle sunscreen.
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4. Purpura or Petechiae

Purpura and petechiae are red or purplish spots that occur when blood vessels beneath the skin burst, often appearing in rash-like clusters. Purpura are typically larger than petechiae. These spots can be harmless or indicate a more serious blood clotting disorder, so it's important to seek medical attention if purpura is suspected.

Common causes include straining (e.g., coughing, vomiting, heavy lifting), UV light damage, aging skin, laser treatments, vitamin K or C deficiency, skin trauma, and blood vessel damage, as well as certain infectious diseases.

5. Pimples

Pimples occur when hair follicles get clogged with oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Sebaceous glands produce sebum to lubricate the skin, but excess sebum can block follicles, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, or acne. These pimples can turn pink or red when inflamed.

These skin conditions can often lead to marks on the skin as they begin to heal. To smoothen and reduce the appearance of acne blemishes, try NIVEA Cellular Luminous630 Anti Dark-Spot Post Acne Marks Serum. The formula acts on existing pigmentation to lighten and reduce dark spots and helps prevent the appearance of new spots.

6. Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris causes rough bumps on the arms, legs, or cheeks due to keratin buildup in hair follicles. Triggers include lack of moisturising, insufficient exfoliation, dead skin buildup, and harsh soaps. 

Regular moisturising helps reduce the bumps, but avoid scrubbing, as it can irritate dry skin. For best results, apply moisturiser to damp skin after bathing to lock the moisture in. 
 

7. Stress and Anxiety

Emotional stress and anxiety can cause physical symptoms, including red spots or rashes. Stress rashes often appear as red, raised bumps or hives. They can be itchy and may occur anywhere on the body.

4 Different Types of Red Spots:

  1. Flat red spots on the skin:  
    Flat red spots are small, well-defined patches on the skin that are not raised or depressed. They vary in size and intensity and are often smooth or non-fluid filled.  

    These spots can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying cause. They usually don't cause pain but can sometimes be itchy or uncomfortable. 

  2. Bright red or purplish spots
    These are small, pinpoint-sized red spots that can appear anywhere on the body. Often, these are petechiae, which are due to breakage of tiny blood vessels and do not blanch when pressed.  

    Purpura are larger, these spots can indicate a range of issues, from minor injuries to more serious conditions and should be checked by a doctor. 

  3. Small red spots on the skin:  
    Small red spots can appear due to various factors, including flare-ups of Eczema. These spots, often itchy and inflamed, may be flat or slightly raised and are usually caused by the skin's heightened sensitivity to irritants or allergens. Eczema-related spots can also become tender, especially if the skin barrier is compromised. 

  4. Red itchy spots on the skin: 
    These red spots are accompanied by itching and can be caused by several factors, including allergic reactions, insect bites, skin dryness or skin conditions like eczema or hives. The itchiness can vary from mild to severe.

    In cases of itchy dry skin, it's important to use a moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin. NIVEA Repair & Care Sensitive Skin Cream is fragrance-free and provides intense hydration for face, body and hands. Its gentle, effective formula helps soothe sensitive, irritated skin for long-lasting relief from dryness. 

Can You Prevent Red Spots From Occurring?

Although it's not possible to prevent all types of red spots, general hygiene and care measures can help reduce the risk of their appearance.
young woman using Nivea Luminous 630 Spot Control

1. Clean and Moisturised Skin:

Regularly cleanse your skin with gentle, non-comedogenic products and moisturise to prevent dryness, which can lead to irritation and red spots. Use skincare products specifically adapted to your skin type, such as those for blemished skin if you tend to get pimples.

2. Avoid Contact With Irritating Chemicals and Fragrances:

Use gloves and appropriate protective equipment if you are likely to come into contact with irritating products, such as household cleaners. Avoid applying perfumes directly to your skin. If you have skin that reacts easily, choose gentle, fragrance-free skincare products specially formulated for sensitive skin. As everyone is different, try to identify and avoid substances that may trigger skin reactions and cause red spots to appear on your skin.

3. Sun Protection:

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen for sensitive skin daily, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin from UV damage, which can cause redness and spots. 

4. Hydration and a Healthy Diet:

Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants to support skin health. Avoid eating foods to which you are potentially allergic or intolerant in order to reduce the likelihood of breakouts and irritation.

5. Avoid Scratching or Picking at the Skin:

Refrain from scratching or picking existing spots and pimples, as this can worsen inflammation, lead to scarring, and create more skin redness.
Facts Overview

Red Spots

Appearance:
Can vary in size, shape, and cause, often appearing as isolated marks or breakouts that may or may not cause discomfort. 

Types:
Include flat, freckled, small, or itchy spots, each with different characteristics and potential underlying causes. 

Causes:
Common conditions like heat rash and pimples to more serious issues like purpura, which may require medical attention. 

Medical advice:
If red spots persist, spread, are accompanied by other symptoms, or cause significant pain, as they might indicate more serious conditions. 

5 Signs to Seek Medical Advice:

While many red spots on the skin are harmless and can be treated at home, there are certain situations where medical advice is necessary:
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  1. Persistent Spots: 
    If red spots do not improve with home treatment or persist for more than a couple of weeks, it’s important to seek medical advice. Persistent spots could indicate underlying conditions that need professional treatment. 
  2. Widespread Spots: 
    If red spots cover a large area of the body or appear suddenly in large numbers, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider. This could be a sign of a more serious infection or an internal issue. 
  3. Accompanied by Other Symptoms: 
    If red spots are accompanied by symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the face and throat, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a severe allergic reaction or other serious conditions. 
  4. Painful Spots: 
    If the red spots are painful, blistering, or showing signs of infection (such as pus, increased redness, warmth, or swelling), it’s important to get medical advice. 
  5. Unexplained Spots: 
    If you cannot identify a clear cause for the red spots, or if they appear in unusual places (like the eyes or mouth), consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. 

Summary

Red spots on the skin, ranging from flat spots to raised pimples, can stem from various causes like allergies, infections, and chronic skin conditions. Understanding these causes and properly identifying the spots is crucial for effective management. Preventing red spots involves maintaining a regular skincare routine, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, avoiding allergens and irritants, and managing stress. Persistent or severe cases should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for proper care.

FAQs

What causes random red spots on skin?

Red spots on the skin can be caused by many factors such as Dermatitis, Heat rash, Pityriasis Rosea, Purpura or Petechiae and pimples.

Can stress cause small red dots?

Yes. Stress rashes often appear as raised red bumps called hives.

What are little red blood spots on skin?

Petechiae (puh-TEE-kee-ee) are pinpoint, round spots that form on the skin. They're caused by an influx of blood from capillaries (small blood vessels), which makes the spots look red, brown or purple.

Are red spots serious?

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 and pityriasis rosea often do not need treatment. Always consult a doctor if you have any doubts about the cause of red spots.

What do red blood spots mean?

Petechiae are tiny spots of bleeding under the skin. They can be caused by a simple injury, straining or more serious conditions.

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