Common features:
Measure
Precision of a few millimeters
Color
Bright red, dark red or purple
Structure
Flat or slightly raised
Sensation
Usually painless and non-itchy
They can appear anywhere: arms, torso, legs, face and become more common with age.
Let’s analyze in detail what this could mean.
11 possible causes of red spots on the skin
1. Cherry angiomas (Campbell-de-Morgan spots)
What they are: Small, bright red bumps caused by clusters of blood vessels
Who gets them: Most adults over 30, increases with age
Where: trunk, arms, shoulders
Are they dangerous? No, they are completely benign. 
Treatment: Not necessary, remove only for aesthetic reasons
Think of them as “beauty spots” for your blood vessels.
2. Petechiae (small broken capillaries)
What they are: red or purple pinpoint spots from broken capillaries
Cause:
Straining (coughing, vomiting, labor)
Injuries or pressure (tight clothing, vigorous massage)
Infections (strep, meningitis)
Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
Tip: They do not fade when pressed (use the glass test)
When to worry: If they spread, don’t go away, or present with fever or tiredness
Serious if associated with bruising, nosebleeds, or illness.
3. Spider angiomas (telangiectasias)
What they are: A central red dot with thin red lines radiating out, like a spider
Cause:
sun damage
Hormonal changes (pregnancy, contraception)
Liver disease (cirrhosis)
When to check: If you have multiple varicose veins + fatigue, jaundice, or swelling
One or two? Probably harmless. Widespread? A liver check is worthwhile.
4. Heat rash (miliaria)
What it is: Small red bumps caused by blocked sweat ducts
Where: neck, chest, armpits, in hot and sweaty areas
Who: Infants, active adults, people in humid climates
Treatment: Cool down, wear breathable clothing
It disappears on its own within a few days.
5. Allergic reaction or hives
What it is: Red, raised, itchy bumps
Triggers: foods, medications, insect bites, stress
Hint: They whiten (become white) when pressed and moved
Duration: Come and go within a few hours or days
Treat with antihistamines and consult a doctor if breathing problems occur.
6. Keratosis Pilaris (“Chicken Skin”)
What it is: Rough, red or flesh-colored bumps on the arms, thighs, cheeks
Cause: Keratin buildup that clogs hair follicles
Who: Common in teenagers and people with dry skin or eczema
Treatment: moisturizers with lactic acid or urea
Harmless, but can be improved with skin care.
7. Insect bites (mosquitoes, fleas, bed bugs)
What they are: Red, itchy bumps, often in clusters or lines
Clue: They appear overnight, especially on exposed skin
Treatment: anti-itch cream, antihistamines
Rule out infestations if bites are recurrent.
8. Fungal infections (ringworm, tinea)
What it is: Red, circular, scaly patches, which may have a raised border
Misnomer: Not caused by worms
Treatment: antifungal creams (clotrimazole, terbinafine)
It spreads easily: intervene promptly.
9. Autoimmune diseases (lupus, vasculitis)
What it is: Red spots coming from inflamed blood vessels
Clue: It presents with other symptoms: joint pain, tiredness, fever
Diagnosis: blood tests (ANA, PCR, ESR)
Rare but serious: requires medical evaluation.
10. Side effects of drugs
Drugs that can cause red spots:
Anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin) → petechiae
Antibiotics, NSAIDs → allergic skin rashes
Chemotherapy → capillary fragility
Action: Review medications with your doctor, do not stop without advice
11. Serious blood or systemic disorders (rare)
Leukemia
Petechiae + fatigue, bruising, fever, weight loss
vasculitis
Red spots + joint pain, nerve problems, organ involvement
SEPS
Diffuse petechiae + high fever, confusion, low blood pressure
These are rare cases, but if the red spots appear with severe symptoms, it is advisable to go to the emergency room.
When to see a doctor
In most cases, red spots are not a cause for concern, but don’t ignore these warning signs:
sour cream
Red dots that
they do not fade when pressed
These could be petechiae due to low platelets or infection
It is spreading rapidly
or getting darker
It may signal an infection or blood disorder
Fever, tiredness, or unexplained bruising
It could indicate a systemic problem
Bleeding gums or nosebleeds
It suggests a clotting problem
Signs of liver disease
(jaundice, swelling, dark urine)
Possible connection with spider angiomas
When in doubt, get checked out. A simple blood test or a dermatological examination can rule out serious causes.
Come and take care of your skin
Do not scratch or pick
Prevents infections and scars
Use gentle skin care products
Avoid harsh soaps and alcohol-based products
Protect from the sun
Prevents varicose veins and skin aging
Stay hydrated
Supports skin and blood vessel health
Monitor changes
Take photos to track new or growing points
Final thoughts: sometimes the smallest dot is the strongest signal
Let’s ignore the red dots.
Let’s blame it on aging.
We say, “It’s just a rash.”
But sometimes the difference between “harmless” and “necessary help”…
It’s not in the color.
It’s in the scheme.
So, if you notice new, widespread, or unusual red spots, especially if associated with other symptoms…
Panic.
But take action.
Because sometimes the most important messages are contained in the smallest packages.
And once he started paying attention?
You might notice something before it gets serious.
