Red dots on your skin can appear for many reasons—some harmless, others needing medical attention. Here’s a quick guide to common causes:
**Contact dermatitis** happens after skin contact with irritants or allergens, causing “an itchy rash with bumps, swelling, and flaky skin.”
**Cherry angiomas** are small red or purple bumps from enlarged blood vessels, common after age 30. They’re harmless unless they bleed.
**Swimmer’s itch** results from parasites in water, causing itchy rashes. Steroids and antihistamines usually help.
**Heat rash** (miliaria) forms when sweat glands clog, leading to “small, red, prickly bumps,” especially in sweaty areas.
**Drug rashes** come from allergic reactions to medications and can range from mild to serious. Stop the drug and seek help if severe.
Other possible causes include:
* **Eczema**: Red, itchy rashes, especially in children.
* **Pityriasis rosea**: A large red patch followed by smaller ones.
* **Purpura**: Red or purple spots from broken blood vessels.
* **Ringworm**: Fungal infection with ring-shaped rashes.
* **Psoriasis**: Autoimmune condition with flaky red patches.
* **Lichen planus**: Flat, itchy, purple spots.
**Bottom line**: If red spots are persistent, widespread, or come with fever or swelling, “seek medical advice.” Your skin often reflects your health.