If you've noticed small red dots on your skin, you may be wondering what is causing them. These tiny red spots can be alarming, but they are usually harmless. However, it's important to pay attention to any changes in your skin and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns. Here are 12 possible causes of small red dots on your skin:
- Cherry Angiomas: These are common benign growths made up of small blood vessels. They can appear as small, red dots on the skin.
- Petechiae: These are tiny red or purple dots that appear due to broken blood vessels. They can be caused by a number of factors, including trauma, infections, or certain medical conditions.
- Heat Rash: Also known as prickly heat, this condition occurs when sweat gets trapped in the skin, leading to red bumps or dots.
- Allergic Reaction: Small red dots on the skin can be a sign of an allergic reaction to a certain food, medication, or skincare product.
- Insect Bites: Mosquito bites, bed bug bites, and other insect bites can cause small red dots on the skin, along with itching and swelling.
- Psoriasis: This chronic skin condition can cause red, scaly patches on the skin, which may appear as small red dots.
- Scarlet Fever: This bacterial infection can cause a red, sandpaper-like rash that may include small red dots on the skin.
- Drug Reaction: Certain medications can cause a skin reaction, including small red dots.
- Excessive Sun Exposure: Sunburn can cause redness, peeling, and small red dots on the skin.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus or vasculitis can cause small red dots on the skin as a result of inflammation.
- Stress: Emotional or physical stress can manifest in various ways, including small red dots on the skin.
- Angioedema: This condition involves swelling under the skin, which can cause red, raised areas on the skin.