Some diseases can cause red spots on the skin. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms and see a doctor if necessary.
Red spots on the skin can have several causes, including allergies, infections, autoimmune diseases and drug reactions. They may be a sign of an underlying health problem or simply a benign skin reaction.
It’s important to pay attention to the characteristics of red spots, such as size, shape, color, and itchiness, to help determine the cause and get appropriate treatment if necessary. If symptoms persist and worsen, it is essential to see a doctor to find out the cause and start treatment. Furthermore, self-medication is not recommended, regardless of the type of red spot.
18 diseases that can cause red spots on the skin
Next, let’s learn a little more about the diseases that can result in red spots on the skin.
1. Psoriasis
What the stains look like:
Psoriasis causes patches with a white middle, red or pink edges, and dry patches. In fact, these spots peel and cause a lot of itching, which can even result in bleeding. They generally appear on the elbows, knees, buttocks and scalp.
What to do:
The first step is to make an appointment with a dermatologist. Therefore, the doctor will recommend the best treatment, which may include anti-inflammatory ointments. Furthermore, it is also recommended to avoid sun exposure and consumption of processed foods.
2. Allergy
What the stains look like:
In the case of allergic reactions, medium-sized spots may appear, red or white in color and very itchy. They may also be liquid or inflamed. But they usually disappear after 3 days.
In fact, this is one of the most common reasons for the appearance of red spots on the skin. They usually appear due to contact with plants, animal hair or ingestion of medicines.
What to do:
To alleviate allergy symptoms, it may be necessary to use certain medications. For example, Loratadine, corticosteroids such as Prednisone, or the application of creams such as Phenergan. However, it is best to consult a doctor first to understand the causes and the best treatment.
3. Ringworm
What the stains look like:
In the case of spots caused by mycoses, they can appear on different parts of the body, and have different sizes. Even so, they generally affect a well-defined region of the body. In addition, they may also peel or form blisters in the area of the stains.
What to do:
To treat mycoses, you need antifungal medicines, or antibiotics recommended by your dermatologist.
4. Rosacea
What the stains look like:
Rosacea causes red spots on the skin, usually on the cheeks, forehead and nose. Furthermore, these spots can also be seen in small vessels on the skin. They help the skin become sensitive, hot and swollen. Therefore, they can last weeks or months, disappearing over time.
What to do:
The treatment involves the use of neutral soaps and moisturizers, which will help alleviate skin redness. Additionally, the dermatologist may also prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.
5. Eczema
What the stains look like:
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin caused by an agent that causes irritation or allergy. Therefore, they cause red spots on the skin along with bumps, itching, burning and burning. Furthermore, the skin may become dry, rough and swollen, with cracks.
What to do:
Therefore, treatment can be carried out using anti-allergy medications, such as Loratadine, as well as the application of corticosteroid ointments or creams.
6. Sarna
What the stains look like:
Red spots on the skin, especially on the fingers and toes, can be caused by scabies. Furthermore, these spots can also appear in the armpits, causing a lot of discomfort and itching. In fact, persistent itching can lead to skin ulcers.
What to do:
Therefore, the treatment is carried out using creams and ointments recommended by the dermatologist. For example, Ivermectin, Crotamiton or Permethrin.
7. Atopic dermatitis
What the stains look like:
In the case of atopic dermatitis, the red spots on the skin are very itchy, especially at night. Furthermore, they can flake and contain a liquid that will form a crust in the future. In fact, due to extreme itching, it is possible for the skin to suffer injuries, and an increase in thickness in the region.
What to do:
Treatment involves the use of creams and ointments with corticosteroids, prescribed by a dermatologist.
8. Brotoea
What the stains look like:
In short, prickly heat consists of reddish spots, rashes and bumps that mainly affect children and babies. Furthermore, they cause burning and itching, and usually affect the chest area, thighs, face, neck and back.
What to do:
Therefore, there is no need for specific treatment. However, it is recommended that the affected region is free from heat. Additionally, it is good for cold compresses to be applied to the affected area to alleviate symptoms.
9. Cutaneous scleroderma
What the stains look like:
A single red spot or several may appear, which may eventually become harder and have a whitish center and red edges. Then, as time passes, the spots may become darker.
What to do:
The disease is treated through the use of corticosteroids in ointment or tablets, prescribed by your doctor.
10. Zika Virus
What the stains look like:
The spots caused by the Zika Virus appear as small, slightly raised and itchy red dots.. These marks initially appear on the face area, about 3 days after the mosquito bite.
What to do:
Therefore, to treat the disease you need to rest, hydrate and take medication as recommended by your doctor. For example, with Dipyrone or Paracetamol, which relieve symptoms and discomfort.
11. Rubella
What the stains look like:
This disease causes small red spots on the skin. They are flat, but some may appear slightly raised. This way, they can come together and form an even bigger, itchy spot. They first appear on the face and behind the ears, and spread throughout the body, lasting about 3 days.
What to do:
Treatment basically consists of following medical recommendations. Generally, treatment is with Paracetamol to control the disease.
12. Lupus
What the stains look like:
In the case of spots caused by Lupus, they are reddish, flat or raised. Furthermore, they can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the nose and cheeks. In fact, the spots may resemble the shape of a butterfly.
What to do:
Therefore, treatment is carried out using corticosteroids and immunosuppressants recommended by a specialist doctor.
13. Skin cancer
What the stains look like:
Spots caused by cancer vary depending on the type of cancer the person has. However, they are normally small, with irregular shapes, which increase over time. In specific cases, the spots can be very large and rough.
What to do:
Depending on the type of skin cancer, there may be different treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Therefore, it is essential that medical consultations and exams are carried out as soon as possible. Therefore, with an early diagnosis, treatment can be more effective against the disease.
14. Poor circulation
What the stains look like:
In this case, the spots, in addition to being red, can also have a more yellowish or brown color, being more common on the legs and ankles. Furthermore, these spots usually also accompany other symptoms, such as itching, swelling, tingling and pain.
What to do:
In this case, treatment must be carried out under the guidance of an angiologist, who may recommend the use of compression stockings to improve circulation in the region. And, depending on the case, it may also be necessary to use ointments and oral antibiotics. But the basics are not to sit or stand for too long, and whenever possible, leave your legs elevated.
15. Measles
What the stains look like:
Small red spots on the skin, slightly raised. In this case, these spots do not cause itching, but they spread easily across the body.. They appear on the face and then spread across the torso and arms.
What to do:
In the case of measles, treatment involves rest, hydration and the use of Paracetamol. Of course, always with medical advice.
16. Chickenpox
What the stains look like:
Chickenpox spots vary depending on the stage of the disease. In other words, at first there are small balls all over the body, causing itching. Subsequently, blisters filled with liquid appear which, when burst, form crusts.
What to do:
Therefore, it is essential to follow medical advice. Therefore, Paracetamol and Povidone Iodine may be indicated to prevent the blisters from becoming infected.
17. Erysipelas
What the stains look like:
Erysipelas is characterized by reddish spots with irregular, slightly raised edges. In more serious cases, the spots may also be accompanied by blisters on the skin, as well as darkening in the area.
What to do:
Treatment in this case is done with antibiotics that can be recommended by a dermatologist.
18. Lichen planus
What the stains look like:
Spots characterized by red or purple plaques, which are accompanied by itching and have a shiny surface with white stripes. In fact, these spots can appear mainly on the wrist, ankle and back.
What to do:
Treatment in this case is done with corticosteroids and antiallergic ointments or tablets. But always with medical recommendation.
Anyway, if you liked the content of this post, you may also be interested in this other one: Itchy scalp – Main causes and how to alleviate the discomfort.
Bibliography:
- MICHAEL, Y.; SHAUKAT, N. M. IN: STATPEARLS (INTERNET). TREASURE ISLAND (FL): STATPEARLS PUBLISHING. Erysipelas. 2021. Available at:
- ARNOLD, DL; KRISHNAMURTHY, K. IN: STATPEARLS (INTERNET). TREASURE ISLAND (FL): STATPEARLS PUBLISHING. Lichen planus. 2022. Available at:
- ODONWODO, A.; BADRI, T.; HARIZ, A. IN: STATPEARLS (INTERNET). TREASURE ISLAND (FL): STATPEARLS PUBLISHING. Scleroderma. 2021. Available at:
Sources: Tua Saúde Boa Consulta Medprev
