Red Spots on Skin: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and More!

Introduction

Skin conditions can have a significant impact on our everyday lives, causing discomfort or pain, and even affecting aesthetics. Red spots are a common complaint, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. In this blog post, we will explore the different causes of red spots on the skin, their associated symptoms, and various research-based treatment strategies. We will also highlight when seeking medical advice is crucial and support you in understanding when home treatments may suffice. By understanding these, you can make informed decisions about managing your skin health and possibly avoiding further issues.  

Causes of Red Spots on Skin

There are several causes of red spots on skin. These can be due to infections or allergies or may be a symptom of some medical problems like immune-medicated conditions or bleeding disorders. It’s important to understand the underlying cause for appropriate management.  

Some common causes include:  

1. Heat rash

Heat rash, also known as miliaria, comes up when sweat glands get blocked. This traps sweat within the skin, causing red, itchy, and at times painful bumps¹.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Small, red bumps on the skin  
• Itching or prickly sensation  
• Sometimes mild pain or discomfort  
• Found in areas prone to sweating, like the neck, armpits, and groin.  

Triggers  

• Hot and humid weather  
• Tight or man-made clothing  
• Heavy physical activity  
• Long periods of bed rest or staying still  

2. Chickenpox or shingles

Chickenpox and shingles are both due to the varicella-zoster virus². They can result in an itchy, red, blistering rash.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Fluid-filled blisters that crust over  
• Itching  
• Fever, headache, and fatigue (more common in chickenpox)  

Triggers  

• Exposure to the varicella-zoster virus  
• Weakened immune system (for shingles)  

3. Rubella

Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral infection³. It causes a red, blotchy rash that spreads across the body.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Pink or red spots that sometimes merge to form larger patches.  
• Mild fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes  

Triggers  

• Exposure to the rubella virus  

4. Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial infection of superficial layers of skin⁴. It is common in hot humid climates and is highly contagious..  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Small to large, reddish sores or plaque -like spots.  
• Fluid or pus-billed eruptions that rupture to form yellowish crusts 

Triggers  

• Exposure to group A staphycoccus bacteria  

5. Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococci. It results in a red, sandpaper-like rash⁵.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Fine, red, rough-textured rash that feels like sandpaper.  
• Bright red “strawberry-like” tongue  
• High fever and sore throat  

Triggers  

• Infection by group A streptococci bacteria  

6. MRSA (staph) infection

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of bacterial infection. It is resistant to many antibiotics, causing red, swollen skin.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Red, swollen, painful skin.  
• Pus-filled abscesses or boils  

Triggers  

• Contact with infected surfaces or people.  
• Cuts or scrapes on the skin.  

7. Fleabites

Insect bites can cause red spots on the skin, along with itching or pain. Fleabites often occur on the lower legs and feet. They cause small, itchy, red bumps.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Red, swollen, itchy bumps or welts.  
• Often grouped together.  

Triggers  

• Flea infestations at home or in the environment  

8. Tick bites

Tick bites can result in red, inflamed spots on the skin that may grow larger over time.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Red, swollen, itchy spot at the site of the bite.  
• Possible growing ring-like pattern (known as erythema migrans)  

Triggers  

• Being in areas with ticks, such as wooded or grassy areas  

9. Swimmer’s itch

Swimmer’s itch, or cercarial dermatitis, is a rash caused by skin contact with tiny parasites found in freshwater or seawater.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Red, raised itchy bumps or blisters.  
• Shows up within hours of swimming in contaminated water.  

Triggers  

• Contact with water infested with cercariae, or larval stage parasites.  

10. Keratosis Pillaris

Keratosis Pillaris is usually a hereditary condition caused by excessive keratin production on skin which blocks the hair follicles and causes tiny red bumps on skin⁶. 

Symptoms and appearance  

• Tiny reddish bumps on the skin commonly affecting upper thighs, or hips 
• Usually painless but sometimes may be itchy 
• The associated skin is dry and rough 

Triggers  

• Factors such as cold climate and dryness of skin.  

11. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) 

SLE is an autoimmune disease. It can cause a distinct “butterfly” rash across the cheeks and nose⁷.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Red, scaly, itchy rash on the cheeks, nose, or other sun-exposed areas  
• May be more visible on lighter skin tones or appear grey or brown on darker skin tones.  

Triggers  

• Factors such as sun exposure, stress, and hormonal changes.  

12. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition. It causes red, scaly patches on the skin, usually on the elbows, knees, and scalp⁷.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Raised, red, scaly patches with silvery-white scales.  
• May be grey or brown on darker skin tones.  

Triggers  

• Factors such as stress, infections, certain drugs, or injury to the skin.  

13. Lichen planus

Lichen planus is an autoimmune skin condition. It causes purplish-red, itchy bumps or lesions on the skin.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Flat, itchy, purple, or pink bumps or lesions  
• May be harder to see on darker skin tones or have a dusky coloration.  

Triggers  

• Unknown, but might be tied to stress, genes, or viral infections.  

14. Petechiae

Petechiae are tiny, pinpoint, red, or purple spots on the skin. They happen due to microvascular bleeding⁸.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Red or purple spots, measuring 2 mm or less across  
• May join together to form larger patches known as purpura.  
• May look darker on darker skin tones.  

Triggers  

• Several factors, like certain medicines, infections, or blood clotting disorders could be the trigger.  

15. Purpura

Purpura refers to larger patches of blood spots than petechiae. They can come from a variety of causes like infections, blood clotting disorders, or trauma.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Red or purple patches of skin that are flat and do not fade when pressed.  
• Might look darker on darker skin tones.  

Triggers  

• Multiple factors, like certain drugs, infections, or blood clotting disorders could be triggers.  

16. Cherry angiomas

Cherry angiomas are tiny, harmless growths of blood vessels. They show up as red or purple spots on the skin.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Red or purple spots that may be elevated or flat.  
• Can vary in size and amount.  

Triggers  

• Factors such as aging, genetics, or hormonal changes  

17. Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis comes up when the skin touches an allergen or irritant⁹. This could be poison ivy, nickel, or chemicals in hygiene products or cosmetic items.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Red, itchy rash with bumps or blisters  
• Dry, flaky, or swollen skin  

Triggers  

• Exposure to an allergen or irritant  

18. Drug allergy

A drug allergy is when the immune system overreacts to a drug. It can result in a red, itchy rash.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Flat or raised red spots that may be scattered or widespread.  
• Itching, hives, or blisters may be present. 
• Can be severe and associated with life-threatening symptoms like difficulty in breathing  

Triggers  

• Reaction to a specific medication, for example penicillin.  

19. Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a long-term, inflammatory skin condition. It causes red, itchy, and scaly rashes¹⁰.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Red, itchy, scaly rash on the arms, legs, face, neck, or other areas  
• May be grey or brown on darker skin tones.  

Triggers  

• Factors such as dry skin, irritation, allergens, or stress.  

20. Seborrheic eczema

Seborrheic eczema is a type of eczema or skin inflammation due to excessive oil production. It affects the scalp and other oily parts of the skin. This causes red, itchy, and flaky patches.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Red, itchy, flaky patches on the scalp, face, or other oily areas  
• May be grey or brown on darker skin tones.  

Triggers  

• Factors such as oily skin, stress, or yeast growth  

21. Acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris, a common skin condition often called as pimples. It causes red spots, bumps, and inflammation on the skin.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Red, inflamed, pus-filled bumps on the skin.  
• Blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts  

Triggers  

• Factors like hormone changes, too much oil production, or bacteria  

22. Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition. It causes redness on the face, visible blood vessels, and red, pimple-like bumps¹¹.  

Symptoms and appearance  

• Facial redness, visible blood vessels, and red bumps.  
• Flushing and burning feeling in areas affected.  

Triggers  

• Factors like sun exposure, spicy foods, alcohol, or stress.  

Some red spots on the skin, commonly referred to as a petechial rash, are actually tiny bleeding spots beneath the skin¹³.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Symptoms Associated with Red Spots on Skin

Red spots on the skin show various symptoms. These may include:  

1. Itching

Itching is a common symptom linked to many types of red spot. It can range from mild to severe and might be associated with a scaly, flaky texture or swelling.  

2. Pain

Some red spots can cause pain, notably if they result from an infection, inflammation, or trauma. It’s crucial to check the level of pain experienced and get medical help if it gets worse or doesn’t get better with time.  

3. Swelling

Swelling may happen around red spots, particularly if they’re caused by an infection or an insect bite. This can end up in a raised, tender spot on the skin.  

4. Crusting or oozing

In some cases, red spots can get crusted or bleed fluid. This is often seen in conditions like impetigo, MRSA infection, or shingles. If you notice crusting or oozing, consult a healthcare professional for the right diagnosis and treatment.  

5. Colour changes

Red spots on the skin may change colour over time, based on how the underlying cause progresses and the person’s skin tone. As the red spots heal or go away, they may darken, fade, or turn purple, grey, or brown.  

However, self-diagnosis and treatment should be avoided, and a dermatologist should always be consulted for the proper diagnosis and management of your condition.  

6. Systemic symptoms

In some cases, red spots may be associated with symptoms like fever, chills or difficulty in breathing. These are usually due to infections or a major allergic reaction and require prompt medical attention¹². 

Research¹³ has shown that the presence of red spots on the skin can indicate underlying blood disorders including conditions like immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Research-Based Treatment Strategies for Red Spots on Skin

There are many evidence-backed ways to treat red spots on the skin. Which one you go for depends on the root cause and the severity of symptoms. Remember to always take these treatments under the guidance of your health care professional.  

1. Medications

Some commonly available medications may help to relieve red spot symptoms. These may include:  

Topical creams  

• Steroid creams such as Hydrocortisone or Dexamethasone: Used for conditions such as eczema, contact dermatitis, or psoriasis to treat swelling and itchiness.  
• Antimicrobial creams: Used to treat rashes caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infections. 

Remember even though these drugs are available without a prescription, it is advisable to keep your health care professional in the loop.  

If these don’t help, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to specifically treat the underlying cause of red spots on the skin. These may include:  

Antihistamines 

Oral antihistamines such as Cetirizine or Fexofenadine can help treat allergies and relieve itching and discomfort in some cases.  

Systemic steroids and Immunosuppressants

For some autoimmune disorders like psoriasis or lupus, your healthcare provider may prescribe drugs that suppress the immune system such as prednisolone, cyclophosphamide etc. They help calm down the immune system and stop it from attacking the skin.  

Antimicrobials

If your skin’s red spots are due to a bacterial infection, viral infection, or fungal infection your healthcare provider may prescribe antimicrobials to eliminate the infection. These include antibiotics such as cephalexin, clindamycin or ciprofloxacin, antivirals such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, or antifungals like clotrimazole and ketoconazole respectively.  

2. Home remedies

Although further research is needed to corroborate their role in management of red spots on skin, some home fixes may help in providing relief from the disturbing symptoms associated with red spots. These can include:  

• Cold compresses: Putting a cold compress on the area affected may help soothe itching and reduce swelling in some cases.  
• Oatmeal baths: Having an oatmeal bath may provide relief for itchy skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.  
• Aloe vera: Applying aloe vera gel to the area affected may help soothe and moisturize the skin. It promotes healing.  

3. Preventive measures

Taking steps to avoid and manage red spots on the skin can also be useful. Below are some actions that may help lower the risk of the occurrence of red spots on the skin: 

• Identifying triggers: Knowing what causes your red spots may help you stop future breakouts. Track possible triggers, such as certain foods, activities, or environments. Make any needed changes.  
• Regular skincare: Keep up a regular skincare routine to help keep your skin healthy and hydrated. Use gentle, non-irritating cleansers and moisturizers. This may lower the risk of forming red spots.  
• Avoid allergens and irritants: If you’re prone to dermatitis or allergic reactions, avoid allergens and irritants. Using hypoallergenic products and shielding your skin from environmental factors can help.  

When to See a Doctor

It’s important to seek medical advice if your red spots don’t get better with at-home treatments or if they get worse. In some cases, the red spots may show a more severe condition that needs medical intervention. Signs and symptoms that call for medical attention include⁷: 

• Long-lasting or worsening red spots that do not get better with home treatments.  
• Severe itching, pain, or swelling.  
• If blisters, oozing, or crusting happen in the area affected.  
• Red spots paired with fever, dizziness, trouble breathing, or other systemic symptoms.  

Possible complications of untreated or poorly treated red spots on the skin can comprise:  

• Infection, which may need antibiotics.  
• Scarring or permanent skin colour changes  
• Emotional distress, including worry, depression, or feelings of isolation.  

Getting the right diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional can help manage red spots efficiently. This can help improve overall skin health and quality of life.  

Conclusion

Taking care of red spots on the skin is crucial for maintaining your skin and overall health. Understanding the various causes and evidence-backed treatments may help you make informed decisions on how best to deal with these concerns. Make sure to identify possible triggers and to care for your skin regularly. Seek medical advice when needed for the right diagnosis and treatment options. By taking control of your skin health, you may lessen the impact of red spots on your daily life.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Miliaria [Internet]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537176 
2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Varicella-Zoster Virus (Chickenpox) [Internet]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448191  
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rubella (German Measles) Vaccination [Internet]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/rubella/index.html 
4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Impetigo [Internet]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430974 
5. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Scarlet Fever [Internet]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507889/  
6. National Health Service (NHS). Keratosis pilaris [Internet]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/keratosis-pilaris  
7. National Library of Medicine. Rashes [Internet]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003220.htm  
8. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Petechiae [Internet]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482331 
9. American Academy of Dermatology. Itchy rash could be contact dermatitis [Internet]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/rash/itchy-rash-contact-dermatitis  
10. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Atopic Dermatitis [Internet]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448071 
11. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Rosacea [Internet]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557574 
12. Kang JH. Febrile Illness with Skin Rashes. Infect Chemother. 2015;47(3):155-166. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4607768/  
13. MedlinePlus. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; [updated unknown] [cited 2025 Jul 25]. Available from: https://www.medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000535.htm

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof. 

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