What Are the Causes of Red Spots on the Skin?

If you’ve noticed red spots on your skin, you may be wondering what caused them, whether they are a cause for concern, and how to get rid of them. Skin irritation can appear differently on various skin tones. For example, while acne typically appears red or pink on light complexions, it can appear as darker spots on darker skin tones. While some forms of skin irritation can go away on their own or with at-home care, others require the expertise of a medical professional.

The best way to address red spots on the skin and other skin-related concerns is to schedule an appointment with a medical professional. These professionals can accurately pinpoint what led to the development of the spots and how to prevent them from appearing in the future.

Red spots can be caused by various conditions, including:

• Heat rash: When sweat ducts become blocked and sweat gets trapped under the skin, a heat rash may occur, leading to itchy red dots on the skin.

• Contact dermatitis: Skin inflammation caused by contact with allergens or irritants, such as cosmetics, fragrances, certain metals, or certain plants is known as allergic contact dermatitis.

• Eczema: Recognizable through the red, inflamed, and itchy patches it causes, eczema can be triggered by environmental factors, stress, and allergens. It often appears in children but can persist into adulthood.

• Pityriasis rosea: Typically, this viral skin condition starts with a single large red patch, known as a herald patch, and results in smaller red patches developing across the body.

• Petechiae: Bleeding under the skin can cause tiny red or purple spots, known as petechiae, and may be a result of minor injuries, infections, or blood clotting disorders.

• Cherry angiomas: These are small, benign growths made up of blood vessels. Cherry angiomas are generally harmless unless they bleed or cause cosmetic concerns.

• Ringworm: This fungal infection presents as red, circular, and scaly patches with clear centers. It is highly contagious but treatable with antifungal medications.

• Swimmer’s itch: Contact with water contaminated by parasites can lead to a form of skin irritation known as swimmer’s itch.

• Lichen planus: Characterized by flat-topped, reddish-purple bumps on the skin, lichen planus can affect various parts of the body, including the wrists, ankles, and lower back.

• Psoriasis: As this autoimmune condition accelerates the life cycle of skin cells, it causes the buildup of cells on the skin’s surface and results in thick, red patches covered with silvery scales.

You should speak to a trusted medical professional about the irritation on your skin if it persists for more than a few days, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, swelling, or pus. If pain is present, along with red spots, your concerns should be evaluated by an expert.

In addition, if the spots are causing cosmetic concerns or if you have a history of allergic reactions, seeing a specialist is a good idea. By seeing a dermatologist, you can have your symptoms assessed and determine the best way to get rid of them.

When you see a medical professional about a rash or other forms of skin irritation, they will thoroughly assess your symptoms to accurately pinpoint the cause. Some of the tools that dermatologists use to evaluate the cause of red spots on the skin include:

• Allergy tests: Skin prick tests and patch tests are used to diagnose skin conditions like allergic contact dermatitis.

• Blood tests: Some skin conditions can be identified by the antibodies in your bloodstream.

• Biopsy: Your healthcare provider may remove a small sample of your skin to assess it for abnormalities.

For comprehensive services for identifying and addressing various kinds of skin irritation, visit the skilled team at Mullally MedSpa in Crown Point. We serve clients from Crown Point IN, Winfield IN, Schereville IN, St. John IN, Cedar Lake IN, Munster IN, Lowell IN, DeMotte IN, as well as other Northwest Indiana locations!