Red spots on the skin are a symptom with numerous causes. They are characterized by reddened areas on one or more parts of the body and in many cases are harmless. However, a serious condition may also be the cause.
What are red patches on the skin?
Red spots on the skin are not referred to as a disease in its own right. Much more it is a symptom, which can have many causes. As red spots on the skin is not called an independent disease. It is a symptom that can have many causes. Red spots belong to the group of skin rashes, which are called exanthem. Red spots rarely appear uniformly. That is, they may be scattered all over the body or appear only on certain parts of the body. They are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, swelling or burning. Since red patches on the skin are a symptom of a wide variety of diseases, the danger they pose also varies. In some cases they are merely harmless inflammations, in other cases they are caused by a life-threatening disease. Therefore, it is recommended to always consult a doctor if the symptoms have not disappeared after a few days.
Causes
Red spots on the skin can have many causes. Usually, they are a defensive reaction to allergens, viruses, bacteria or infections. Red spots can also occur as a side effect of various medications. If the red spots occur in children, the cause is often a typical childhood disease such as measles or chicken pox. Pollen, food, cosmetics or chemicals are also possible triggers. However, it is also possible that the red spots on the skin are caused by a serious disease. Diseases such as shingles or Pfeiffer’s glandular fever are often accompanied by redness of the skin. Likewise the hepatitis virus, syphilis or tropical diseases. Red spots often occur, for example, due to the so-called dengue fever, which is triggered by mosquito bites.
Diseases with this symptom
- Measles
- Syphilis
- Tropical diseases
- Chickenpox
- Hepatitis
- Dengue fever
- Shingles
- Pfeiffer’s glandular fever
- Port-wine stain
Diagnosis and course
In most cases, red spots subside on their own. However, if they persist or continue to spread, a doctor must be consulted. He or she will first have a detailed discussion with the affected person and narrow down the possible causes on the basis of a medical history. In addition, a blood test is usually performed to detect infections and pathogens in the blood. Of course, a comprehensive skin examination is also performed. Above all, the affected areas are closely examined by the dermatologist. The extent of the redness, the exact coloration and any accompanying symptoms such as pain or severe itching can provide information about the cause. Often it is also necessary to take a tissue sample and make smears of the skin. The course depends entirely on the particular cause. While red spots caused by an overreaction to sunlight usually disappear quickly, infectious diseases or allergic reactions must be treated in any case, otherwise serious health problems may result.
Complications
Red patches that form as a result of acne can fester and become inflamed. Acne can become very severe very quickly. Common complications include prolonged disfigurement of the face and upper body from pus-filled, sometimes painful pimples and pustules that often require treatment with antibiotics. Acne pustules also often leave scars that disfigure the face in particular even after the disease itself has healed. In the case of red spots resulting from infectious diseases, complications can arise if the patient reacts to the often intense itching by scratching. Scratched chickenpox blisters almost always leave scars, at least in adults. In measles and rubella, the scratched-on pustules can become infected and begin to fester, which can then also lead to scars.In rare cases, scratching blisters or pustules on the body can also result in a septic wound and resulting blood poisoning. Red spots also occur as a result of a tick bite. If the animal is removed improperly, this increases that already significant risk of contracting Lyme disease.
When should you go to the doctor?
Red spots on skin are almost always a symptom of an underlying disease present. Anyone who notices skin changes should therefore consult a doctor promptly so that he or she can clarify the causes of the skin disorders. If the red spots spread unusually quickly over the entire body, it may be due to a viral disease such as herpes or shingles. The dermatologist should also be consulted if color changes repeatedly occur on several parts of the body. Accompanying symptoms such as itching, pus formation or weeping spots must be treated immediately to avoid further complications and the formation of scars. It is also possible that the red spots on the skin are due to an autoimmune disease, which should be examined by a general practitioner or dermatologist. If the skin changes occur after eating, there may be an allergic reaction. A visit to the doctor is recommended at the latest if the complaints occur more frequently, increase in intensity in the course of time or generally have a negative effect on the general condition. If allergic shock is suspected, the emergency physician should be alerted immediately.
Treatment and therapy
Red spots on the skin are treated very differently. Mild allergic reactions to pollen, cosmetics, or certain foods do not necessarily require treatment. However, it is advisable to avoid contact with the relevant substances. If the red spots were triggered by a medication, a doctor should be consulted, as further side effects may occur. In addition, remedies are prescribed which relieve the itching and accelerate the healing of the swelling. Most often, these preparations contain cortisone and other substances. Red spots on the skin associated with viral infection are treated with antivirals. In addition, special medications are prescribed that inhibit the immune system so that reactions to the virus and antivirals do not occur. Light therapy is also a way to get rid of spots on the skin. In this, affected areas are irradiated with UV light, which causes the damaged tissue to die, and thus the redness disappears. Treatment for red spots caused by an allergic reaction is based on antihistamines, which ensure that the allergen no longer has an effect. Hyposensitization to the trigger may also be part of the treatment.
Outlook and prognosis
Red patches on the skin do not necessarily represent a health-threatening situation and usually do not require special treatment. If the red spots on the skin occur as a result of an allergic reaction or intolerance, they do not require further treatment. In this case, the red spots disappear after a few hours and do not lead to further complications or limitations. The red spots can also be caused by insect bites and are just as common a symptom. If no other unpleasant symptoms are felt besides the spots, nothing further needs to be done. However, if nausea, dizziness or vomiting is experienced, a doctor should be consulted. In some cases, the red spots on the skin also cause severe itching. In this case, the patient should not scratch under any circumstances, as this only intensifies the itching and may leave sores and scars on the skin. Treatment is usually carried out only in the case of infections and inflammations on the skin and is usually carried out with the help of antibiotics. It leads to a positive course of the disease and is not associated with further complications.
Prevention
Red spots on the skin can be prevented in different ways. For example, it can already help to take adequate care of the skin and use natural cosmetics. It is also advisable to determine to which substances there are allergic reactions and avoid contact with them. Since the immune system also has a great influence on the formation of red spots, it can help to strengthen it.Of course, a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet and a balanced daily routine is also important. If red spots still appear on the skin, one should consult a dermatologist.
What you can do yourself
If the red spots on the skin occur after eating, it is usually an allergy or an intolerance. Here, the respective intolerant foods should be avoided. Often a substitute is possible, in many cases also medicines can be taken, with which the respective food can be digested without big complications. If the red spots on the skin are due to sunburn, more sunscreen must be applied in any case. After sunbathing, it is recommended to use a nourishing cream that moisturizes. The application of aloe vera can also provide relief, as the herbal ingredient has skin-soothing and cooling properties. In case of poor personal hygiene, regular washing and the use of skin care products will help against the red spots on the skin. This can also prevent acne if it occurs as well. It is not uncommon for the red spots on the skin to occur in stressful situations. The patient must calm down and breathe slowly so that the body can cool down. In hot weather, care should be taken to wear loose and airy clothing. Overweight people should reduce their weight to avoid the red spots in stressful situations. For insect bites, antiseptic creams that soothe and moisturize the skin are equally helpful. In most cases, the red spots disappear after a few hours or a few days.
