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Introduction:
Red dots on the skin can be alarming—painless or itchy, scattered or clustered, bright or dark. While they may look similar, their causes range from harmless to more serious health concerns. This "recipe-style" guide will walk you through the 11 possible reasons why you're seeing red dots on your skin—and what you can do about them.
Ingredients:
To identify the cause of your red dots, gather the following “diagnostic ingredients”:
Your medical history
Photos or close observations of the dots (size, color, shape)
Location on the body
Presence of other symptoms (itching, fever, pain)
Any new medications or skincare products used
Recent lifestyle changes or exposures (sun, allergens, stress)
Preparation:
Let’s break down the 11 most common causes of red dots on the skin:
Heat Rash (Miliaria):
Occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, leading to small red or pink blisters. Common in hot, humid weather.
Allergic Reactions:
Can appear as red hives, spots, or welts from exposure to allergens like food, medication, or skincare products.
Petechiae:
Tiny red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. Often harmless, but can signal more serious conditions like blood clotting disorders or infections.
Cherry Angiomas:
Bright red, benign growths of blood vessels that become more common with age.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis):
A chronic condition that causes red, inflamed, itchy patches, especially in skin folds.
Psoriasis:
An autoimmune disorder that results in thick, red plaques with silvery scales, often on elbows, knees, and scalp.
Insect Bites:
Red, raised dots that may itch or swell, often appearing in clusters or a line.
Folliculitis:
Inflamed hair follicles, usually caused by shaving, friction, or bacterial infection, which look like red pimples.
Keratosis Pilaris:
Small, rough bumps on the arms, thighs, or cheeks due to excess keratin plugging hair follicles.
Viral Rashes:
Certain viruses, such as rubella or hand-foot-and-mouth disease, can cause red dots accompanied by other symptoms like fever or fatigue.
Lupus or Other Autoimmune Diseases:
Butterfly-shaped rashes or red dots can be signs of systemic lupus or other autoimmune disorders. A medical diagnosis is essential.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Treat at home with cold compresses, antihistamines, or hydrocortisone creams for mild cases like heat rash or allergies.
Keep affected areas clean and dry to prevent infection.
Avoid known allergens and irritants.
Moisturize regularly if eczema or keratosis pilaris is the cause.
Consult a healthcare provider if the rash spreads, persists, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, joint pain, or fatigue.
Variation:
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