If you’re anything like me, you probably check your body for any unusual changes—lumps, bumps, bruises, or anything that seems out of place.
Some might call it overly cautious, but I like to stay aware of what’s happening with my body. If something seems off, I want to be ready to seek medical advice.
So, you can imagine my concern when I noticed a cluster of red dots on my shoulder one morning. Like many people do these days, I turned to the internet for answers.
It turns out red dots on the skin are quite common. There are several possible reasons for them, and I thought it would be helpful to share what I found.
Red dots can vary in size, shape, and color, and their causes range from harmless to more serious. Here are some common explanations:
Petechiae and Purpura
These appear as small red dots caused by broken blood vessels. They can be triggered by stress, coughing, or certain medications. While usually harmless, they can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition.
Cherry Angiomas
These are small, raised red bumps caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels. They are harmless and tend to appear more often as people age.
Heat Rash
This happens when sweat gets trapped in sweat ducts, leading to itchy red dots. It’s common in hot or humid conditions.
Allergic Reactions
Red dots can be a sign of an allergic reaction to food, medication, insect bites, or other substances. They often come with itching or irritation.
Folliculitis
This is an inflammation of hair follicles, usually due to bacterial or fungal infections. It causes red, pus-filled spots that may be uncomfortable.
Cellulitis
A bacterial infection that makes the skin red, swollen, and warm to the touch. This usually requires medical treatment, such as antibiotics.
Impetigo
A contagious bacterial infection that spreads easily, especially among children. It causes red sores that can leak fluid before forming a crust.
Vasculitis
This occurs when blood vessels become inflamed. It can be linked to infections or immune system conditions.
Hemangiomas
These are birthmarks caused by extra blood vessel growth. They are usually harmless but may sometimes need medical attention.
Most red dots are not a cause for concern. However, it’s important to see a doctor if:
- You have a fever, pain, or discomfort along with the red dots.
- The dots increase quickly in size or number.
- You have other symptoms like fatigue or dizziness.