10 causes of red spots on the skin

Jan 26, 2025

TOI Lifestyle Desk

Common causes of red spots on skin

Red spots on the skin can result from allergies, infections, or skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Understanding these causes is crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment, and maintaining healthy skin.

Allergic reaction

Allergens like specific foods, plants, or insect bites can cause red spots or hives due to the body’s immune response, often accompanied by itching, swelling, or other allergic symptoms.

Acne

Clogged pores and inflammation result in red, pimple-like spots, frequently appearing on the face, chest, or back, often linked to hormonal changes, oily skin, or bacterial infections.

Psoriasis

An autoimmune disease that causes rapid growth in the skin cell, which leads to the formation of red patches covered with scale, usually appears on the scalp, knees, or elbows that cause discomfort through flaking by chronic inflammation

Eczema

Atopic dermatitis leads to itchy, red, and inflamed skin patches, often on hands, neck, or face, triggered by genetic factors, allergens, or irritants.

Heat rash

Hot and humid weather causes blockage in sweat glands that leads to small itchy red spots on the skin, often located in areas of the body prone to sweating such as the neck, chest, or back.

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Spider angiomas

Pregnancy, among many other changes associated with hormonal variation, leads to small red veins that look spider-like on the skin. Commonly seen over the face, chest, and hands.

Red spots can be a drug reaction

Medications, such as antibiotics or pain medications, can cause allergic reactions, and red spots, rashes, or hives may appear with itching or swelling.

Contact dermatitis

Red spots can be caused by local allergic or irritant reactions, where the skin comes into contact with irritants, such as chemicals, detergents, or poison ivy, and causes red spots, itchy redness, and inflammation.

Petechiae

Trauma, certain medication, or sometimes an underlying problem such as disorders of platelet can cause red or purple small spots due to a ruptured vessel under the skin.

Infections

Viral or bacterial infections, including chickenpox or impetigo, bring about red spots or rashes as the body reacts to infections, often with fever or other symptoms.

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