Red spots on the skin can be quite common, with simple causes such as mosquito bites or even as a symptom of an illness.
Generally, red spots on the skin can occur due to numerous factors. For example, the result of a pinch, mosquito bite, excessive exposure to the sun, or even eating a food that you are allergic to. However, in addition to these common and simple cases, there are other causes that can be more serious, as we will see below, such as infections, rubella or even skin cancer.
In any case, the appearance of the red spot on the skin is the result of a reaction or symptom of something that has affected the skin., even if it’s something simple like an allergy, for example. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of the other symptoms that accompany red spots, such as itching, swelling, fever, among others.
Therefore, the ideal is to consult a specialist doctor to evaluate and identify the cause of the stain. And depending on what caused the skin injury, start appropriate treatment. Below, we bring you some of the most common causes of red spots on the skin.
Main causes of red spots on the skin
1. Allergy
Allergy can be one of the diseases that can cause red spots on the skin. And this can occur after contact with plants, animal hair or ingestion of medicines. Or, it could be caused by an insect bite or food poisoning.
In fact, allergy spots tend to vary in size from medium to large, reddish or white, almost always accompanied by itching, and may or may not contain liquid. Normally, they tend to disappear within 3 days. However, in more serious cases of allergies, the spot may be accompanied by shortness of breath and that is why it is important to go to the emergency room.
What to do
In this case, allergy symptoms can be contained with allergy medications, such as corticosteroids, as well as creams and ointments. However, the recommendation is to see a doctor to recommend the best treatment for your allergy.
2. Eczema
Normally, the red spots are very itchy and swollen and many people relate this inflammation to allergic reactions. In fact, it is important to highlight that the symptoms of this inflammation can worsen with stress, cold or hot temperatures.
What to do
When the cause of red spots is eczema, they tend to appear and disappear spontaneously. However, depending on the frequency, the use of anti-allergy medication and the use of ointments or creams with corticosteroids may be indicated, which must be prescribed by a dermatologist.
3. Ringworm
Spots caused by ringworm can appear in any region of the body, with different sizes and affecting a very specific area. If not enough, stains can cause blistering and peeling. And depending on what caused the ringworm, it can spread to other parts of the body, accompanied by itching and burning skin.
What to do
The recommendation includes the use of antifungal medications and also antibiotics, which must be prescribed by a doctor.
4. Zika virus
In the case of this disease, the spots are very small, similar to red spots, with a slight elevation. Furthermore, they tend to be very itchy and appear about 3 days after the mosquito bite. Typically, the spots are first seen on the face and spread to the rest of the body. Additionally, Zika spots tend to last no more than 5 days, but are usually accompanied by muscle and joint pain.
What to do
Treatment basically involves rest, plenty of hydration and taking the medication prescribed by the doctor, with the aim of relieving other symptoms and discomfort.
5. Lupus
Lupus is another disease that can cause red spots on the skin. In this case, the spots can be flat or raised, and can appear on any part of the body. Furthermore, they are more common in women, near the nose and cheeks, resembling a butterfly.
What to do
See a doctor immediately to have an assertive diagnosis and begin treatment, which includes corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
6. Rosacea
Rosacea is characterized by red spots on the face, more precisely on the cheeks, forehead and nose, which can accentuate small vessels in the skin. In addition to the spots, in the case of Rosacea, the skin becomes even more sensitive and hot, and may even present swelling.
What to do
A dermatologist will be able to recommend the best treatment. But the use of neutral soaps and moisturizers is recommended to control skin redness, and depending on the case, the use of antibiotics or anti-inflammatories may also be indicated.
7. Sarna
Scabies usually appears with red spots on the hands and feet, as well as in the armpits. Furthermore, they tend to be very itchy and uncomfortable, especially at night. Although it is nothing serious, itching can result in the development of skin ulcers, even in children or babies.
What to do
In this case, treatment includes the use of creams and ointments prescribed by the doctor depending on the severity of the infection. The most common in this case are: Ivermectin, Crotamiton or Permethrin.
8. Psoriasis
The spot caused by psoriasis has a very characteristic appearance, with a whitish center and red or pink edges, which peel a lot and cause itching. Generally, they tend to appear on the elbows, knees, buttocks and scalp.
What to do
A dermatologist may recommend some anti-inflammatory creams or ointments to the patient. But, in addition, treatment includes avoiding exposure to the sun, and the consumption of very fatty or processed foods, which can make the case worse. Furthermore, as it is related to stress, it is important to avoid situations that can worsen the condition.
9. Rubella
Rubella can also have spots on the skin as a symptom. NIn this case, they are flat and small, and can come together, forming a large spot, and also cause itching. This type of spot usually appears first on the face and behind the ears, but spreads quickly to other parts of the body. However, they tend to disappear within 3 days.
What to do
Treatment can only be indicated by a doctor, but generally includes the use of Paracetamol, until the disease is controlled.
10. Chickenpox
The characteristics of chickenpox spots vary according to the stage of the disease. Firstly, the spots are small balls spread across the body that cause a lot of itching. As chickenpox progresses, the blisters become filled with fluid, eventually bursting and forming crusts all over the body.
What to do
Treatment is with pain medication and to prevent the blisters from becoming infected. The medications most recommended by doctors in these cases include Paracetamol and Povidone-Iodine. Furthermore, it is recommended to rest and avoid scratching, no matter how difficult it may be.
11. Poor circulation
Yes, poor circulation also causes skin blemishes. In these cases, the spots vary in color, ranging from yellowish to brown, appearing mainly on the leg and ankle. Furthermore, it also comes with other symptoms such as itching, bumps, tingling sensation and pain. Depending on the severity of the problem, it could even result in wounds.
What to do
Treatment in this case must be monitored by an angiologist, who will recommend the use of compression stockings to improve circulation, as well as topical ointments or antibiotics. And due to poor circulation, it is not recommended to stay in the same position for a long time, and whenever possible, elevate your legs in order to avoid blood accumulation in the region.
12. Skin cancer
This is one of the things that most worries people about the appearance of blemishes on their skin. In this case, the appearance of the spots will depend on the patient’s type of cancer. But, generally, they tend to have an irregular shape, increasing over time, and in some cases even resulting in bleeding. Furthermore, they can be extensive and have a rougher texture than common stains.
What to do
In this case, due to its severity, there are several ways to treat it, which may include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The ideal treatment should be carried out by a doctor based on a more precise analysis of the type of skin cancer.
13. Measles
Measles spots are red, slightly raised, but they are not itchy and spread quickly throughout the body. However, they usually appear first on the face and then move to the trunk and arms, and can also cause fever.
What to do
Treatment includes rest, hydration and some antibiotics recommended by the doctor.
14. Brotoea
Red spots and dots on the body, especially on the chest, thighs, neck and back, can cause itching and pain. Typically, they are caused by heat and excess sweat, which is why it is more common in babies, who tend to be covered up and in clothes that heat up.
What to do
As it is a simple issue, it is not as if there is a specific treatment. However, the recommendation is to keep the affected areas free and cool, as well as using cold compresses on the balls.
15. Erysipelas
In the case of Erysipelas, the spots on the skin have raised and irregular edges. Generally, the person has a fever and chills about two days before the spots appear. In fact, they may be accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms, such as a burning sensation, itching, pain and sensitivity in the region. And in severe cases, even blisters on the skin and dark spots.
What to do
Treatment in this case usually includes antibiotics prescribed by the dermatologist.
16. Atopic dermatitis
If the cause of the spots is atopic dermatitis, the spots will have a redder tone and be very itchy. Furthermore, they can flake and contain liquid, which can later result in a crust. And due to persistent itching, it can end up leading to skin wounds, as well as increasing the thickness of the skin in the region.
What to do
After medical diagnosis, the dermatologist will recommend the best treatment for the disease, usually including creams and ointments with corticosteroids.
17. Cutaneous scleroderma
The spots here come alone or in several, which can become harder and whitish in the middle, with red edges. As time passes, the spots become darker. It is an autoimmune disease that increases collagen production and therefore results in blemishes.
What to do
As we have seen so far, most diseases that affect the skin rely on corticosteroid treatments, and cutaneous Scleroderma would be no different. The doctor may prescribe ointments or pills to treat the disease.
18. Lichen planus
The spots in this case appear as red or purple plaques on the skin, which are very itchy. Furthermore, it has a shiny surface with thin white stripes on top, appearing mainly on the lower back, ankle or wrist.
What to do
Again, you can use anti-allergens or corticosteroids in ointment or tablet form, depending on what your doctor deems most appropriate in your particular case.
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Bibliography:
- SUNDARESAN, S.; et al. Stasis Dermatitis: Pathophysiology, Evaluation, and Management. Am J Clin Dermatol. 18. 3; 383-390, 2017
- 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: Your health, Med Prev
