If you’re like me, you regularly check your body for lumps, bumps, bruises, and anything else that doesn’t belong.
Call me paranoid or overly cautious, but I like to know what’s going on with my body. Plus, I’m always ready to seek medical advice if I find something suggesting an unexplained change.
You can imagine my surprise then, when one morning I found a cluster of red spots on my shoulder. As is so often the case these days, I immediately went online to see what explanation I could find.
And it turns out that red spots on the skin are not so uncommon. In fact, there are several causes, so I thought it would be helpful to list them here for anyone who may be in the same situation.
Now, it’s important to note that red spots on the skin can come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and shades. Some are completely harmless; others may have potentially serious causes.
Petechiae and Purpura
The appearance of small red spots on the skin as a result of damaged blood vessels or capillaries. Possible causes include: stress, coughing, or certain medications. They are usually harmless but can indicate underlying medical conditions such as platelet disorders.
Cherry Angiomas
These are seen as small, raised, bright red bumps and are derived from an overgrowth of blood vessels. They are generally completely harmless and become more common as we age.
Heat Rash
Simple and fairly common, depending on the environment. The ‘rash’ occurs when sweat becomes trapped in sweat channels, causing a pattern of itchy, red spots on the skin.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions are self-explanatory. Resulting from an allergic response to food, substances, medications, or insect bites or stings, leading to redness of the skin and an itchy rash.
Folliculitis
An inflammation of the hair follicles, usually caused by bacterial or fungal infections. The result is red, pus-filled spots that can cause discomfort.
Cellulitis
A bacterial skin infection that causes redness and swelling of the skin that feels warm. Cellulitis often requires medical attention and treatment through 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 fluid, and later form a crust.
Vasculitis
A condition where blood vessels are affected. Vasculitis causes red spots on the skin and can be associated with autoimmune diseases or infections.
Hemangiomas
These are birthmarks resulting from the abnormal growth of blood vessels. Occasionally, medical intervention may be necessary, though they are generally harmless.
In short, the appearance of red spots on the skin doesn’t necessarily mean something to worry about. However, it’s important to seek medical advice/help if:
- The red spots are accompanied by fever, pain, or other discomfort.
- The spots rapidly increase in size, number, or intensity.
- These spots are accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or dizziness.
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