If You Spot These Red Dots On Your Skin, Here’s What They Mean

 If you’re like me, you’ll regularly examine your body for lumps, bumps, bruises, and anything else that just doesn’t feel right.

Call me paranoid or overly cautious, but I like to know what’s going on in my body and I like to be prepared to see a doctor if I ever find something that suggests an unexplainable change.

It turns out that red spots on the skin aren’t that uncommon. In fact, there are a number of causes, so I thought it would be helpful to list them here for anyone who might find themselves in the same situation.

It is important to note that red dots on the skin can be of different sizes, shapes and shades, and their meaning can be just as wide. Some are completely harmless, others can have potentially serious causes.

Petechiae and purpura:
These petechiae, which look like tiny red dots on the skin, are the result of damaged blood vessels or capillaries. They can be caused by stress, coughing, or certain medications. They are usually harmless, but can indicate underlying medical problems such as platelet disorders.

Impetigo
A contagious bacterial infection that is often easily passed between children. Impetigo is characterized by red sores that open, ooze fluid, and then form a crust.

Vasculitis
A disease characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels. Vasculitis causes red spots to appear on the skin and may be related to autoimmune diseases or infections.

Hemangiomas
These are birthmarks resulting from abnormal growth of blood vessels. Occasional medical intervention may be necessary, but they are usually harmless.

In conclusion, the appearance of red dots on the skin does not necessarily mean that you should worry. That said, it is important to consult a doctor if:

Red spots are accompanied by fever, pain, or other discomfort.
The spots increase rapidly in size, number, or intensity.
These spots are accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or dizziness.