If you’re like me, you regularly check your body for lumps, bumps, bruises, and anything else that doesn’t belong.
Beware of the Red Dots: Know What They Mean!
Call me paranoid or overprotective, but I like to know what’s going on with my body and I’m always ready to seek medical advice if I ever find something suggesting an unexplained change.
So imagine my surprise when one morning I found a cluster of red dots on my shoulder. As so often these days, I immediately looked online for an explanation.
And it turns out that red dots on the skin are not as uncommon as you might think. There are actually several causes, so I thought it would be helpful to list them here for anyone who might be in a similar situation.
It’s important to know that red dots on the skin can come in different sizes, shapes, and shades, and what they indicate can be just as diverse. Some are completely harmless, while others may have potentially serious causes.
Petechiae and Purpura
They look like small red dots on the skin and are the result of damaged blood vessels or capillaries. Causes can include stress, coughing, or certain medications. They are usually harmless, but can indicate underlying medical conditions such as blood platelet disorders.
Cherry Angiomas
These are seen as small, raised, bright red bumps and are the result of an overgrowth of blood vessels. Cherry angiomas are generally completely harmless and become more common as we age.
Heat Rash
Simple and quite common, depending on the environment. The ‘rash’ occurs when sweat gets trapped in sweat channels, resulting in a pattern of itchy, red dots on the skin.
Allergic Reactions
Self-explanatory. A result of an allergic reaction to food, substances, medications, or insect bites or stings, leading to skin redness and an itchy rash.
Folliculitis
An inflammation of hair follicles usually caused by bacterial or fungal infections. The result is red, pus-filled dots that can cause discomfort.
Cellulitis
A bacterial skin infection that causes redness and skin swelling that feels warm. Cellulitis often requires medical assistance and treatment with a course of antibiotics.
Impetigo
A contagious bacterial infection that is often easily spread among children. Impetigo is characterized by red sores that open, ooze, and later form a crust.
Vasculitis
A condition where blood vessels are inflamed. Vasculitis causes red dots on the skin and may be associated with autoimmune diseases or infections.
Hemangiomas
These are birthmarks caused by abnormal blood vessel growth. Occasionally, medical intervention may be necessary, but they are generally harmless.
In summary, the appearance of red dots on the skin doesn’t necessarily mean you need to worry about something. However, it’s important to seek medical advice/attention if:
- Red dots are accompanied by fever, pain, or other discomfort.
- The dots rapidly increase in size, number, or intensity.
- These dots are accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or dizziness.
This is an informational article and not medical advice. Always consult a doctor if necessary!
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