Red spots on the arms – warning signal or harmless?

The appearance of red spots, which can be seen not only on the arms, is called exanthema. There are different types of exanthema, depending on whether the spots are flat or raised, whether they affect only a small area of skin or a large area. They can be caused by various external or internal circumstances, each of which manifests itself in a different appearance of the spots.

Most causes of red spots on the arms are harmless. Often, if they only appear on the arms, they can be traced back to skin diseases. These are often triggered by external stimuli, but can have genetic or hormonal causes.

Red patches can occur as a symptom of an allergic reaction, for example. This can be triggered either by a contact allergen, such as a sweater washed with a new detergent to which the patient is allergic, or by an internal allergen taken up by the patient. This can be, for example, a food or a drug to which the patient is allergic.

An allergic reaction to sunlight is also a possible cause of the red spots on the arms. Furthermore, red spots on the arms can be caused by neurodermatitis. Acne is another possible cause of red spots on the arms.

But infections of the body by bacteria, viruses or fungi are also possible causes of the spots. In the case of erysipelas, for example, bacteria of the streptococcus group are the cause of the disease and also of the spots that appear. Also caused by bacteria are the infectious diseases syphilis, mononucleosis and hepatitis, which can be accompanied by red spots, but not necessarily.

Yeast fungi can also cause such spots. Psoriasis or nodular lichen can also lead to red spots on the arms. Babies and children should be especially careful when red spots appear, as they can be childhood diseases such as measles, rubella, scarlet fever or chickenpox.

Depending on the cause of the red spots on the arms, the spots appear in different forms and with different accompanying symptoms. In case of an allergic reaction, a distinction must be made between external and internal allergens. In the case of a contact allergen, the red spots appear in all those places that have come into contact with the allergen.

This can also be the case on one side. In the case of an internal trigger, such as a medication, several parts of the body are often affected. An allergic reaction is often accompanied by itching.

In extreme cases, an allergic shock can occur, in which breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure and clouding of consciousness can occur. Skin rashes accompanied by red spots often appear as hives (urticaria). This manifests itself as elevations of the skin filled with fluid and very itchy.

Red spots due to acne are red pimples that can appear on the arms, but also on the face, back and other parts of the body, and often leave scars. In addition to red spots, neurodermatitis causes dry, scaly skin and very severe itching. If there is an underlying bacterial infection, red spots can appear on the arms, but often they do not appear at all or only on other parts of the body.

They are therefore a very unspecific symptom and, depending on the bacterium causing the infection, show a wide variety of appearances and accompanying symptoms. Children’s diseases often cause red spots on the arms, but they also occur on other parts of the body. In the case of chickenpox, very itchy red pustules appear on almost the entire body.

With scarlet fever, a fine-spotted rash appears, which can also spread over the entire body. Here, swallowing difficulties and the typical raspberry tongue are often added as symptoms. Measles is nowadays a rare childhood disease, when it occurs it manifests itself in pustules that spread over the whole body.

These pustules do not itch, however. The accompanying symptoms are similar to those of influenza. Rubella is often accompanied by fever and enlarged lymph nodes in addition to the typical rash.

The following topic could also be of interest to you: Measles skin rashIn most cases, red spots on the arms and simultaneous itching are eczema, an inflammation of the skin.A typical example would be neurodermatitis, which often occurs together with asthma or allergies. In this case, the elbows are particularly affected. Dehydration of the skin, which occurs mainly in the winter months, can lead to dehydration eczema.

But also an allergy to fragrances in creams and detergents, to latex or disinfectants can lead to red spots on the arms, this is then called contact eczema and can be tested by a dermatologist. If there has been contact with corrosive substances such as acids or alkalis, this can lead to toxic (poison-induced) eczema. But infections, for example with fungi or scabies mites, can also be the cause of red spots on the arms and itching.