Red spots on the skin can have various causes. First clues to the trigger can give the spread of the pustules: Do the red spots appear on the whole body or only on certain parts of the body such as the face, neck, chest or abdomen? In addition, the appearance of the spots and the duration of the rash also play a role. It is also important for the diagnosis whether the rash itches or burns. We have compiled the most common causes of red spots on the skin for you below.
Red spots on the skin
Red spots are not an independent clinical picture, but a symptom of a disease. They can either be distributed all over the body or appear only locally. A rash that occurs on both sides is often a sign of an internal reaction of the body, while spots that occur on one side indicate the action of external factors. Often, the rash is accompanied by other symptoms such as burning, itching, pain, or swelling.
Causes of red spots
Red spots can have many causes, among others they can be a reaction of the body to an infection with viruses or bacteria. Likewise, it can be a defensive reaction of the body to an allergen. In the case of an allergic reaction, the rash is often accompanied by itching – however, this is also the case with some skin diseases. As a rule, red dots on the skin are based on harmless causes – but serious triggers are also possible. Therefore, you should always consult a doctor if you discover a skin rash. Below you will find an overview of the most important causes that can be behind red spots on the body. This can provide initial clues to the possible cause, but not replace a visit to the doctor.
Skin diseases as a cause
Red spots on the body are often caused by a skin disease. Skin diseases can have various causes, often an allergic reaction is the trigger. In addition, genetic factors and hormonal changes also play a role. Below you will find a list of the most important skin diseases with their typical symptoms.
- Acne: Acne is the most widespread skin disease in Germany. Typical are pus-filled pimples and red nodules that occur preferentially on the face, but also on the back, chest, arms and shoulders.
- Neurodermatitis: neurodermatitis is a chronic skin disease that is typically characterized by inflamed skin areas that can be very itchy. In addition, the skin is often dry and scaly. The red spots can either occur in episodes or persist chronically.
- Psoriasis: In psoriasis, red, inflamed plates covered with white scales form on the skin. Sometimes the rash can be very itchy.
- Hives: typical of hives are very itchy wheals on the skin. The red spots can have the most diverse triggers – among other things, certain drugs and foods, but also pressure, heat and cold come into question.
- Nodular lichen: In nodular lichen, a larger group of reddish, itchy nodules develops on the skin or mucous membranes. They are particularly common on the inside of the wrists or ankles and on the lower leg.
- Rosacea: Rosacea is characterized by dilated veins and patchy redness of the skin on the face. The redness on the nose, cheeks and forehead can develop into pustules and pustules over time.
- Scabies: In scabies, parasites such as mites cause a red, intensely itchy rash. In addition to mites, other parasites such as head lice, clothes lice or crabs can also cause the red spots. The latter primarily cause a rash in the area of the armpits, chest and pubic hair.
- Skin fungus: fungal diseases of the skin are manifested by slightly red, itchy, scaly skin areas. Depending on the type of pathogen, they can settle in a wide variety of body parts – they occur particularly often in skin folds.
Recognize skin diseases through pictures
Red spots due to diseases
In addition to skin diseases, infectious diseases are also possible causes of red skin spots. Among others, the following diseases can be accompanied by reddish rash:
- Shingles
- Pfeiffer’s glandular fever
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis
- Lyme disease
- Dengue fever
However, not all diseases are necessarily accompanied by red spots. Sometimes the rash is completely absent, sometimes it occurs only in certain stages.
Allergic reaction as the cause
Red spots on the body are not always triggered by a disease – an allergic reaction may also be the cause. Allergens can affect the body either through the skin or through the mucous membranes. Often, allergies cause other symptoms besides the skin rash, such as rhinitis, coughing or itching. The body can be allergic to a wide variety of substances, such as pollen, certain foods or cosmetics. A red skin rash can also be caused by contact with chemicals or taking medications such as penicillin. In addition, red spots can also appear on the skin as part of a sun allergy.
Red spots in babies and children
In babies and children, red spots on the skin may indicate one of the typical childhood diseases. However, not all of these diseases occur exclusively in children.
- Three-day fever: Three-day fever typically breaks out in children between one and three years of age. It is initially manifested by a high fever, and later by a pale red rash. The small red spots occur mainly on the neck and trunk, but can also extend to the face.
- Chickenpox: Chickenpox mainly affects children of kindergarten and school age. When infected, red blisters appear all over the body – mainly on the face and trunk – which are very itchy.
- Rubella: Rubella is usually expressed at the beginning by symptoms such as enlarged lymph nodes or mild fever. Later, the typical rash appears, which often begins behind the ears and spreads from there over the face all over the body.
- Scarlet fever: scarlet fever is characterized primarily by severe throat and swallowing difficulties and fever. Often, as the disease progresses, there is also a thick, fine-spotted rash and a raspberry-red tongue.
- Ringworm: Ringworm usually occurs in children in kindergarten or elementary school. In them, it initially comes to cold-like symptoms. Later, a red, itchy rash may appear on the cheeks. This may continue to spread along the inside of the arms and legs in a ring shape.
- Measles: At measles, children can fall ill from six months. If the disease breaks out, it comes to flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and cold. In the second phase of the disease, red spots appear, which after some time run into each other. Unlike chickenpox, however, the rash does not itch.
In case of doubt to the doctor
If you discover red spots on your body that do not go away on their own, you should always consult a doctor. This is especially necessary if the rash appears suddenly and very strong, as well as without any apparent cause. Likewise, a visit to the doctor is urgently necessary if you suffer from other symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, pain or other threatening signs. If the cause of the red spots is not clear after a detailed discussion and examination of the rash, the doctor will probably perform a blood test. Likewise, a tissue sample or swab of the skin may be necessary. If an allergy is suspected, the doctor may perform an allergy test.
Treat red spots
The best way to treat the rash always depends on the underlying cause. First, the doctor will try to relieve the symptoms and then address the cause. Often, preparations containing cortisone in the form of ointments, creams or tablets are used to treat the symptoms. Some skin diseases can also be treated well with light therapy. If an infectious disease is present, viral drugs or antibiotics can help the disease to subside more quickly. However, some infectious diseases also heal on their own. If an allergic reaction is the cause, it is advisable to take antihistamines. They weaken the body’s defense reaction and thus alleviate the symptoms. In the future, the allergy-causing substance should then be avoided if possible.
