Red Dots on Your Skin? Here’s What They Might Mean
If you’re anything like me, you probably check your body for lumps, bumps, bruises, or anything else that feels unusual. Maybe it’s a bit paranoid, but I like to stay on top of my health, just in case something unexpected pops up.
So, imagine my surprise when I woke up one morning and noticed a cluster of red dots on my shoulder. Naturally, I went straight to the internet to figure out what they might mean. It turns out, red dots on the skin aren’t all that rare. There are many different causes, some harmless and others more serious. I thought I’d share what I found to help anyone else who might be in the same situation.
Common Causes of Red Dots on Skin
Petechiae and Purpura
These are tiny red dots caused by damaged blood vessels. Stress, coughing, or certain medications can cause them. While they’re often harmless, they can sometimes signal a medical issue like a platelet disorder.
Cherry Angiomas
These small, bright red bumps are caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels. They’re most common as we age and are generally harmless.
Heat Rash
If you’ve been sweating a lot, you might get a heat rash. It happens when sweat gets trapped in the sweat ducts, causing red, itchy dots on the skin.
Allergic Reactions
Red dots can also appear after an allergic reaction to food, medications, or insect stings. They’re usually itchy and might come with a rash.
Folliculitis
This occurs when hair follicles get inflamed, often due to bacterial or fungal infections. The result is red, sometimes pus-filled dots that can be uncomfortable.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most of these causes are harmless, you should seek medical help if:
- The dots are accompanied by fever or pain.
- They grow quickly or spread.
- You experience other symptoms like dizziness or fatigue.
In most cases, red dots are nothing to worry about, but it’s always good to check in with a doctor if something feels off.
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