Red dots on the skin can have various causes, ranging from ha.r.m.less to potentially serious conditions. Here are some common reasons:
1. **Petechiae**: Small red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin, often due to minor trauma, infections, or certain medications.
2. **Cherry Angiomas**: Small, benign tumors consisting of blood vessels, common in older adults.
3. **Allergic Reactions**: Red spots can appear due to allergic reactions to foods, medications, or other allergens.
4. **Rashes**: Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis can cause red spots or patches.
5. **Heat Rash**: Small red bumps can occur due to blocked sweat ducts in hot and humid conditions.
6. **Infections**: Viral infections like chickenpox, measles, or scarlet fever can cause red spots.
7. **Vascular Issues**: Conditions like vasculitis or capillaritis, which involve inflammation of blood vessels, can result in red spots.
8. **Autoimmune Diseases**: Diseases like lupus can cause red spots or rashes.
9. **Skin Cancer**: In rare cases, red spots can be an indication of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
If you’re concerned about red spots on your skin, especially if they persist, change, or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.