🔴 11 Common Reasons for Red Dots on Your Skin – When to Worry & When Not To – Page 2

🔴 1. Petechiae

These are tiny red or purple dots that appear when small blood vessels (capillaries) break and bleed under the skin.

Size: Pinpoint
Causes: Straining (coughing, vomiting), infections, blood disorders, medications
Worry level: ⚠️ See a doctor if they appear suddenly, spread quickly, or are accompanied by fever or other symptoms.

These are bright red, small, and raised dots — and they’re completely benign.

Often appears as clusters of small red dots or bumps, especially in hot, humid weather.

Areas: Neck, chest, back, under breasts
Cause: Blocked sweat ducts
Worry level: ✅ Not serious, treat with cool compresses and breathable clothing

Red dots or hives can appear when your skin reacts to allergens like:

Foods
Medications
Detergents
Plants (like poison ivy)
Look for: Itching, swelling, or welts
Worry level: ⚠️ See a doctor if breathing issues or swelling occur — could indicate anaphylaxis

Inflamed or infected hair follicles cause small red bumps or dots, sometimes with pus.

Often called “chicken skin,” this condition shows up as tiny red or skin-colored dots, mostly on upper arms or thighs.

Mosquitoes, fleas, bed bugs — all can leave itchy red dots on your skin.

Look for: Itching, swelling, clusters or patterns
Worry level: ✅ Usually harmless; ⚠️ see a doctor if there’s an allergic reaction or infection

Eczema patches can include red, dry, itchy spots that may look like small dots in early stages.

Common in: Children and adults with allergies or asthma
Worry level: ✅ Manageable with treatment, but may need a dermatologist’s care

This chronic skin condition causes red, scaly patches, but early flare-ups may look like flat red dots.

Certain viruses (like measles, rubella, or even COVID-19) can cause widespread red dots or spots across the body.