Did you ever look at your skin and wonder what those small red dots meant? There are more of these tiny marks than you think, and they can mean different things. Let’s look at the possible reasons and what they might mean.
Blood vessels that are damaged: Petechiae and Purpura
Petechiae and Purpura are caused by blood vessels that are stressed or broken and show up as tiny red dots. These spots could be a sign of a problem with the platelets or a response to some medicines.
Age spots that aren’t harmful: cherry angiomas
Rosy bumps on the skin can show up as we age. They are called Cherry Angiomas. These are usually not dangerous and are just a sign of getting older.
Heat rash: sweat that gets stuck
When sweat gets stuck in pores, it can make dots that are hot and itchy. This is called Heat Rash.
Reactions from allergies: redness and itching
Food, chemicals, or insect bites can cause rashes that are red and itchy. This is called an allergic response.
Getting infections and swelling
If you get Folliculitis, Cellulitis, or Impetigo, you might get red spots or sores on your skin. Some may need medical help, but others can be taken care of by themselves.
Vasculitis and Hemangiomas: Problems with Blood Vessels
Vasculitis is a condition of the blood vessels that can be linked to autoimmune diseases. On the other hand, hemangiomas are birthmarks that are harmless and are caused by poor blood vessel growth.
When you need to see a doctor
If you have fever, pain, or other signs along with red dots, you should always see a doctor. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Remember that red dots on the skin can mean different things. If you know what the likely causes are, you can start to figure out what’s going on and get the right treatment if you need it.
