A sudden appearance of red pinpoint bumps on the surface of the skin can be alarming and disturbing to the patient. These small dots may crop up anywhere on the body, including the face, stomach, legs, and hands and even on the chest. These bumps can be a symptom of a serious medical condition; therefore it is very important to understand why they occur and how they can be treated.
What are these Small Red Dots on Skin
Red spots that are found on the skin are usually normal medical complains that are received by doctors at every single day. When the small red spots happen in outbreaks, they are often termed as rashes.
When the red dots on skin are however raised, they are commonly referred to as a papule. Erythema is a medical term that is used to refer to redness of the skin. The following are some of the reasons why you may experience small red dots on your skin.
According to the Ask Dr. Sears website, red pinpoint pimples on the skin can look similar to dots left by a fine-tipped red ink pin. These spots are flat against the skin and may also turn purple or brownish in color. The bumps can be spread far apart or clustered together like a rash. Often these small bumps do not lose their color if you press on them. After they have stayed for a while, they may start to blacken as a sign of healing.
Small Red Dots on Skin Causes
You may develop tiny red dots on your skin for many different reasons. Some of these underlying causes may be quite serious, while others may not raise any concern. It is, however, important to understand when you should go see your doctor and seek medical treatment. Keep reading to learn more.
Red Mole or Cherry Angiomas
These are quite common and can appear on any area of your body. Also known as senile angiomas, they usually affect people who are 30 years of age and above. They look red because of broken blood vessels inside them.
Although the exact cause of these skin growths is not clear, many experts believe it has something to do with genetics. Some people are more likely to get them compared to others. They are more likely to appear in women during pregnancy and are even linked to climate and exposure to chemicals. You do not usually need to worry about these skin problems unless you notice a change in their shape, size, or color. To add on that you can seek your doctor’s advice if they bleed often.
Petechiae
If you notice pinpoint, round, tiny red dots on skin, they could be petechiae. These small red dots on skin develop as a result of bleeding, and this is the reason why they may look brown, red, or purple. They look more like a rash and appear in clusters. The color remains the same even when you press on them. And they may appear on your eyelids or on the inner surface of your mouth.
While petechiae are quite common, they may indicate different underlying conditions. The most common causes include allergic reaction, local injury, autoimmune diseases, trauma, and viral infections that impair clotting. Certain medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, as well as leukemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and other bone marrow malignancies can also cause petechiae to appear. Drugs such as aspiring, heparin, or cortisone may also cause petechiae. They are more common in newborns and become prominent after violent vomiting.
Keratosis Pilaris (KP)
They also cause small red spots on your skin. This is a genetic disorder that affects hair follicles of the skin and often manifests as rough, small folliculocentric keratotic papules. They are also described as chicken skin, chicken bumps, or goose bumps and usually appear on the outer-upper highs and arms.
The keratosis pilaris condition usually gets better in summer months and becomes worse in winter when skin becomes dry. KP is self-limited and usually improves with age. There is no treatment available for it, although you may use moisturizing lotions and creams to make things feel better.
Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis
Also commonly known as hypersensitivity vasculitis, this refers to the inflammation of small blood vessels. Leukocytoclastic is a term used to refer to the debris of immune cells or neutrophils within the walls of blood vessels. The disease may only affect your skin or spread to other organs of the body, including central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, heart, lungs, and the kidneys.
When it affects your skin, you notice damaged blood vessels that become leaky. It results in hemorrhage that appears as small areas of purple-red, raised lesions or small red dots on skin, also called palpable purpura. These lesions are most commonly found on the legs. They generally do not cause any symptom, but you may sometimes feel pain and itching.
More severe vessel inflammation may result in large ulcerated blisters that can be quite painful. They may make you deal with other issues, including vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle aches, fever, blood in the urine, weakness, numbness, and cough.
Rheumatic Fever
Not seeking treatment for strep throat in a timely manner may result in rheumatic fever. It usually affects children from 5 and 15 years of age. Older children and adults may also contract the fever. It is not a serious illness and when left untreated, it may cause serious issues including permanent damage to your heart, stroke, and death.
As it is a complication of strep throat, you should go for a strep test if your child has certain specific symptoms, such as sore throat with swollen lymph nodes and small red dots on skin. They may also have trouble swallowing with thick, blood discharge from nose.
Birthmarks
These are colored spots on our skin that are present at birth. Sometimes these blemishes can be red in color. When this is the case, they are usually a “vascular birthmark”. These types of birthmarks are caused by abnormal blood vessels in the skin.
Acne
This is an extremely common skin condition that can range from mild to severe. The condition usually presents itself as skin bumps that often become red or swollen on the skin.
Boils
A boil is a skin infection of the hair follicle or oil gland. It is usually a firm red bump that can often be filled with pus. They usually go away after they burst open and the pus or liquid has drained. Around them, you can as well find some red dots. To add on that, if they are popped immaturely, the area may develop some red dots after the healing of the wound.
Allergic reaction
One of the most common reasons for small red dots on skin is rashes that occur from allergic reactions. The reaction could be from food, pollen or other allergens in the air, cosmetics, skincare, laundry detergent or a whole host of other irritants. A doctor can perform a patch test to reveal what allergens trigger a reaction on your skin.
Heat rash
This is usually as a result of sweat trapped in clogged pores and appears as red bumps that may or may not feel tingly or itchy. This is a common condition in hot, humid weather and usually goes away once the skin temperature has cooled. It is also seen with red dots.
Pityriasis Rosea
This is a rash caused by a virus that usually lasts from six to twelve weeks. It is characterized by a larger, “mother” patch, accompanied by smaller “daughter” patches around it. It is usually pink or red in color and may be raised and scaly in texture.
Red Spots on Skin not Itchy
Today, we go over some of the most common causes of non-itchy red spots on the skin. A non-itchy spot may go against the usual rash or outbreak but there are a wide range of common causes for these spots.
Numerously, non-itchy small red dots on skin can be caused by the same thing as an itchy one. You have to be aware of the potential triggers, and put in place an arrangement to meet with your doctor if you come across anything suspicious.
Small Red Spots on Skin Pictures
Red spots on the skin can appear anywhere on the body and there are a number of causes. Sometimes the appearance of the site of red spots can help in identifying the cause of the red spots. Although the red spots are likely to be harmless it is important to keep a close watch on the red spots and have them examined by a doctor, if necessary. Have a look at our photos of the small red dots on skin. Am sure the pictures will help you know your condition hence choose the best treatment.
Pinpoint Red Dots on Skin
Those pinpoint red spots on the skin can occur for a variety of reasons. In many cases, red spots or bumps aren’t a sign of a major problem; they could be caused by a simple rash or bug bite. Other times, red spots could be a sign of a more serious issue.
Acne is an extremely common skin condition that can range from mild to severe. The condition usually presents itself as skin bumps that can often become red or swollen. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes pinpoint red dots on skin as a result of inflammation. Rashes from eczema may have red bumps that ooze or crust.
Heat rash is a result of sweat trapped in clogged pores and appears as itchy small red dots on skin that can also feel tingly. This is a common condition in hot, humid weather and usually goes away once the skin temperature has cooled.
Skin cancer, from melanoma to basal cell carcinoma, may also appear as pinpoint red spots, scaly plaques or moles on the skin. This is why it is very crucial to know when to see a doctor. See the list below for some general guidelines and be sure to always consult a doctor if you are suspicious or unsure about any bump or spot on your body.
Tiny Red Spots on Skin
There are times when you will suddenly discover that you have small, red dots on your skin. There are a lot of people who cannot help but complain about this because the dots may look unsightly. At the same time, they are concerned about what has possibly brought about the small, red dots.
There are two types of red dots that can be found on the skin:
- Papule– Red dot on the skin that is commonly raised.
- Macule– Red dot on the skin is flat.
You have to remember that when it comes to small, red dots there are so many possible reasons for their appearance. There are times when the causes are very common such as acne but there are also times when the red dots on the skin may signify other conditions.
There are instances when people immediately become alarmed when they see red dots on their skin because they know that the red dots may be related to various skin conditions. Some of the red dots on the skin may be very small but they may also appear in clusters. How the red dots will appear on the skin will depend on the skin condition that you have.
Campbell de Morgan Spots
Campbell de Morgan spots, also known as cherry angiomas, are common, benign skin lesions of middle to older age, formed by proliferating, dilated capillaries and post capillary venules. They are named after an English surgeon, Campbell de Morgan (1811-76).
Aetiology
Their cause remains unknown:
- Chemical exposure (mustard gas, 2-butoxyethanol) causes multiple lesions to develop.
- Pregnancy and prolactinomas are associated with the development of lesions, implicating hormonal mediators.
- Numbers increase with age, so factors associated with the ageing process may be relevant.
- Single studies have reported increased incidence in tropical climates, diabetes, transplant patients and those who are immune-compromised.
Epidemiology
- These are the most common cutaneous vascular proliferation. Few reports have been published recently but it is thought as many as 75% of those over 75 years old may have them.
- They increase in frequency and size with age.
- They increase in frequency from the age of 40.
- They are may occur anywhere but are most commonly found on the trunk.
- They are seen across all races and sexes.
Visual appearance
- 1-3 mm diameter macules which may become larger papules over time.
- Typical bright cherry red color but can appear blue or purple.
- They are non-blanching.
Small Red Dots on Skin Treatment
It is important that if you see some signs of small red dots on your skin, you seek the help of a doctor immediately. You will not know what treatment you should do unless you already know the exact cause.
If in case you are just paranoid that you will get some red dots on your skin, you can prevent this from happening by making sure that you will keep yourself protected. Try to limit your exposure to the harmful rays of the sun.
You may also want to get yourself get thoroughly checked annually so that if in case there is something wrong with you, it will be detected early and treatments can be done easily. You also need to be extra careful because bumping into different hard objects or exposing yourself to insects will increase your chances of acquiring small, red dots on your skin.
Of course, in order to counter some serious health conditions, it is important that you will pay attention to your current lifestyle. Pay attention to the type of food that you eat. Do you only eat healthy food products? If your current diet consists of a lot of a lot of fast food then you can already count on having a lot of other conditions that you might not even get to see on your skin.
- Apply sunscreen on your skin.Whenever you go out and whenever you know that you will be exposing yourself to the sun’s rays, wear sunscreen. You may also wear hats in order to protect your skin and hair.
- Limit your exposure to the sun’s rays.You are recommended to avoid the sun from 10AM to 2PM as this is the time when the sun’s rays may be the brightest.
- Drink a lot of all natural fruit juices.There is a big possibility that your skin may not be getting the amount of vitamins and nutrients that it needs. Drink fruit juices and drink vitamins. This will surely help.
Antibiotics are prescribed in case of an infection causing petechiae formation and appearance. If these petechiae spots are the consequence of injuries to the blood capillaries, apply ice packs or cold compressions over the affected region. It is suggested that before applying ice, a paper towel should be put between your skin and the ice pack. This will prevent damage to the skin surface.
Treatment of red dots on skin can make use of Extra-virgin olive oil is the best to work as a perfect skin moisturizer, it facilitates the healing and promoting of the skin renewal as it is rich in vitamin E as well as antioxidants. It will also soothe the skin and lead to reduction of itching.
Baking soda also helps to treat red dots on skin and to dry out the skin rashes. Plus, it relieves the itching and inflammation that is associated with rashes.
How to get Rid of Red Dots on Skin Naturally – Home Remedies
Apply some apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a perfect requirement when it comes to the situation of resolving and providing acne remedy. Reason? It is able to kill off the bacterium that is causing all the possible trouble in the first instance. It also able to become alkaline, and usually balances the pH of the skin that in turn makes it hard for the bacteria to survive.
In addition to all the above it’s an astringent, just like lemon juice, and will be able to help dry up excess oil on the skin. Keeping that in mind, you don’t need to overdo and dry out the skin so much. This could make the sebaceous glands to overproduce in order to compensate, thus triggering an outbreak.
Make a cinnamon and honey mask
- Honey is sticky, and the cinnamon is very spicy, and it looks like they’re all the things you’d want to avoid getting near the skin.
- Surprisingly, while it may seem so strange, honeys as well as cinnamon make a killer combo when it comes to dealing with acne.
- Cinnamon contains antimicrobial properties, so it can help stop the bacteria from getting out of hand. If it does, the honey is a natural anti-biotic that is ready and waiting to wipe the little buggers out.
The land of milk and honey (or yogurt)
While there is a bit of hub that forms around dairy products thus causing the acne, applied topically it seems that the milk can be improve the outbreaks and skin the tone.
The reason that it is suggested that milk may cause acne is due to the extra hormones in it-but unless it is ingested, this doesn’t really do much. For the most of the part, it just soothes the irritated skin, and helps to tone down the redness.
You could also apply yogurt. The acids in it are very antibacterial while the fat gives the moisture, making it more nourishing for the skin. Wash the mask off and use a clean washcloth to at least gently scrub in a circular motion, getting rid of loosened dead skin.
More references
- Tiny dot on skin: http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Tiny-Red-Dots-on-Skin.html
- Red pinpoint bumps on the skin: http://www.livestrong.com/article/302015-red-pinpoint-bumps-on-the-skin/
- Campbell de Morgan spots: https://patient.info/doctor/campbell-de-morgan-spot