11 causes of red spots on the skin: what do they mean and how to deal with them?

Causes of red spots on the skin.
Red spots on the skin can appear for a variety of reasons. If you observe them on your feet, hands or other parts of the body, it may be a harmless irritation, but it may also be a signal that the body is calling for help. Let's look at the main causes of spots on the body:

1. Allergies
New cream? Great smell, great texture... and suddenly an itchy spot. Yes, some ingredients your skin just doesn't love and will show it with redness, itching or burning. It's an allergic reaction to the skin - some foods (e.g. strawberries, nuts, milk, etc.) can cause a similar reaction.

2. Skin diseases
Some skin diseases can also cause red spots on the body, whether they are chronic diseases, fungal or bacterial infections:
- Atopic eczema - a chronic skin disease manifested by red scaly patches that itch. It often occurs in the elbow and knee sockets, but also on other parts of the body.
- Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease characterised by red scaly deposits, most commonly on the elbows, knees, scalp and sacrum.
- Rosacea - facial redness accompanied by dilated blood vessels, sometimes pimples and swelling. Redness may be aggravated by stress, alcohol or heat.
- Contact dermatitis - red spots on the hands and other parts of the body caused by contact with irritants (e.g. cosmetics, detergents, jewellery).
- Urticaria - itchy, red spots or pimples that may appear and disappear quickly. It can be caused by allergies, stress or a reaction to medication.
- Rash - redness of the skin accompanied by pimples, spots or blisters, which can have various causes.
- Mycosis (fungal infection) - red, itchy patches with peeling edges, often in the groin or between the toes.
- Yeast infection (intertrigo) - itchy red patches on the skin occurring in areas with friction (groin, armpits, under the breasts).
- Impetigo - a bacterial infection with red patches and honey-coloured crusts, often around the mouth or nose.
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis - appears in the hair, around the nose, on the eyebrows or behind the ears. Manifested by red spots, oily scales and itching.
- Diaper rash (irritant dermatitis) - red patches on the skin in the groin, armpits or under the breasts caused by sweating and rubbing of the skin. The skin tends to be sensitive and may burn.
- Erysipelas (rose) - hot, bright red patches on the skin of the legs accompanied by pain.

3. Infectious diseases
Symptoms of some infections include red patches on the skin.
- Shingles - red spots that quickly form painful blisters arranged in a band, usually on the torso or face.
- Lyme disease - a bacterial infection carried by ticks. If the spot gets bigger and there is another white circle around it followed by a red one, this is a typical symptom of Lyme disease - in this case a visit to the doctor is necessary.

4. Petechiae
Petechiae are small, dot-like red or purple spots that are caused by tiny bleeding under the skin and do not disappear when pressed. They often appear as a result of infections, bleeding disorders or after mechanical pressure (e.g. after coughing or vomiting).

5. Purpura
Purpura is a larger bleeding manifestation where dark red to purple spots form under the skin. It may be related to vascular disorders, autoimmune diseases (e.g. lupus) or blood diseases.

6. Influence of environment and weather
Cold, wind, dry air, sunlight and water can all irritate the skin and cause redness. After being in the sun, you may develop small red spots on your body that itch - this is a sign of sun allergy.
You may have had red spots on your skin after bathing. You are not alone! Your skin can react to warm water with redness that sometimes itches or burns. What is it? It can be a reaction to the hot water, which dilates blood vessels, but it can also be a reaction to the ingredients in the cosmetics you use or the chlorine in the water, which irritates and dries out more sensitive skin.

7. Stress and the psyche
The psyche and the skin are closely linked. When we are under stress, the body releases stress hormones that can trigger hives, eczema manifested by red patches on the neck, face or anywhere on the body, as well as acne. If your spots appear mainly during busy periods, stress may be one of the triggers.

8. Reactions to drugs and alcohol
Have you developed an itchy rash after antibiotics? Some medicines can cause a skin reaction that manifests itself as red patches, itching or a rash. These are often antibiotics, high blood pressure medication or corticosteroids.
You may also be familiar with the situation where you have two glasses of wine and suddenly you have red spots on your face. Red spots on the skin after alcohol are caused by dilation of blood vessels and the body's individual reaction to ethanol.

9. Inflammatory reactions
If you develop redness with swelling on your skin, it may be a reaction to an infection, a minor injury, but also inflammation.

10. Vascular problems
Red and purple patches on the skin of your feet can be caused by poor circulation. The spots may be accompanied by swelling.

11. Insect bites
Small red spots from mosquitoes and other insects are often itchy and swollen - sometimes they disappear quickly, sometimes they stick around like uninvited guests. Occasionally, a white centre or reddened circle forms around the bite. If the spots appear in clusters (such as on the legs or back), they may be caused by fleas or bedbugs.

Quick diagnosis of red spots on the skin - by appearance and location
Not all red spots are the same. Sometimes they are small and itchy, other times large and hot. Some disappear in a few hours, others you have for weeks. So what does their appearance tell you? Take a look at the most common types and treatment options.

Itchy red spots on the skin
- Allergies,
- atopic eczema,
- urticaria.
What helps. For eczema, it is good to use gentle cosmetics and barrier creams. For hives, antihistamines and cold compresses help.

Small red spots
- Petechiae,
- rash,
- shingles.
What helps. Treating your skin with soothing ointments and creams will help with the rash. If shingles is suspected, see a doctor.

Dark red patches on the skin
- purpura,
- lupus,
- vascular problems.
What helps: For purpura and vascular problems, see a doctor who may recommend blood thinners or special bandages. When it comes to lupus, treatment depends on the specific type of disease, but immunosuppressants are often used.

Red spots all over the body and face
- Stress,
- allergic reaction,
- infectious diseases,
- drug reactions.
What helps: incorporate relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation) when stressed. For allergies, antihistamines and allergen removal are helpful. Infectious rashes often require symptomatic treatment, i.e. fever reduction, plenty of fluids and bed rest. For drug reactions, it is necessary to immediately stop taking the suspected drug and seek medical attention.

Large red spots on the body
- fungal infection.
- Psoriasis (psoriasis).
What helps: Use antifungal creams or sprays available at the pharmacy for fungal infections. Keep the affected area dry and ventilated and wear breathable clothing. Dandruff is treated with special ointments with corticosteroids, phototherapy or biological treatment.

Hot red spots on the skin
- Inflammatory reaction,
- erysipelas (rosacea),
- skin infections.
What helps: A cool compress, anti-inflammatory creams with panthenol, calendula or aloe vera, and avoiding irritants that could aggravate the condition will help the inflammatory reaction.
For skin infections, keep the affected area clean, use antiseptic products and seek medical attention in case of bacterial infection.
Erysipelas is treated with antibiotics.

A circumscribed red spot on the skin
- Lyme disease,
- contact dermatitis.
What helps: For Lyme disease, it is important to start antibiotic treatment as soon as possible. For contact dermatitis, antihistamines (to relieve itching), anti-inflammatory ointments (to reduce redness and inflammation) and barrier creams to protect the skin from further irritation are helpful.

Dry red patches on the skin
- Psoriasis,
- atopic eczema,
- seborrheic dermatitis
What helps: Special ointments with corticosteroids or tar help with psoriasis. For severe itching, apply antihistamines. For atopic eczema, barrier creams, corticosteroids and antihistamines work. For seborrheic dermatitis, shampoos with ketoconazole or zinc, gentle moisturizing and avoiding irritating cosmetics and hot water help.

Red patches on the skin with a white centre
- insect bites.
What helps: Cooling gels, antihistamines, or products with zinc oxide are helpful for insect bites.

Red spots on an infant's skin
- Hormonal rash - common in newborns, goes away on its own.
- toxic erythema - red spots with white pimples, gradually disappear on their own.
What helps. If the red spots persist or worsen, it's a good idea to consult a paediatrician.
If you discover dry red patches on your baby's skin, it may be atopic eczema (often on the cheeks and hands in babies) or seborrhoeic dermatitis (scaly patches on your baby's head).
What helps: Applying gentle moisturisers and avoiding irritants (e.g. perfumed cosmetics, hard water) helps with atopic eczema. Gentle oiling and special shampoos for babies work for seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Red spots on the skin in babies
- Atopic eczema - very common in children, causes dry, red patches on the skin that itch.
- Sixth disease - a typical childhood viral infection, the spots appear after a high fever, are bright red and do not itch.
- Measles - starts as small red spots on the face that spread to the body and may ooze. They are accompanied by fever and cough.
- rubella - a bright red rash that spreads over the body, often mild but dangerous for pregnant women.
What helps: For eczema, regular moisturising of the skin, use of hypoallergenic creams and, if worse, ointments prescribed by the doctor help. For childhood viral illnesses, symptomatic treatment is important, i.e. rest, plenty of fluids and reducing fever.

Prevention: how to prevent red spots?
Prevention is the queen of beautiful skin! Proper skin care can save you stress and health problems. What do you need to change in your routine? The basics are to keep your skin moisturized and protected from irritation.

1. Hydration is essential
Dry skin is much more prone to irritation, itching and redness. Therefore, moisturise it every day with a good quality moisturiser.

2. Protection from external influences
Frost, wind, sun or chemicals can irritate the skin. In winter, use oilier creams with lanolin, beeswax, ceramides or vegetable oils to create a protective film and prevent the skin from drying out.
In summer, don't forget sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent dryness.
If you work with chemicals or wash your hands more often, use a protective barrier cream that forms an invisible film on the skin and prevents irritation. Try Dermaguard, which is also suitable for people with eczema and sensitive skin. It is available on our e-shop.

3. Avoid irritants
Many red spots are caused by contact with aggressive substances in cosmetics, soaps or washing powders. Use gentle, hypoallergenic products without perfumes or alcohol that do not dry out the skin unnecessarily.

4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Skin reflects the overall health of the body. A balanced diet, plenty of water, quality sleep and eliminating stress help keep it in good shape and prevent skin problems.

When is home treatment enough?
If the spots are mild, do not change, do not spread and are not accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, burning or fever, they are probably a normal skin reaction and have been caused by irritation (e.g. contact with cosmetics, the sun or rubbing of clothes).

When to see a doctor?
If the red spots on your skin do not improve or are accompanied by other symptoms, it may be a more serious condition. See a doctor if:
- the spots do not go away, get bigger or return repeatedly,
- are painful, hot to the touch or spread rapidly,
- accompanied by fever, general malaise or swelling,
- the skin in the affected area is cracked, swollen, bleeding or blistered,
- you suspect an infection or an allergic reaction that is worsening,
- the spots itch, peel or change colour and you do not know the cause.

Conclusion
Some red spots disappear on their own, others are the body's cry for help. But now you know how to prevent them, what can be behind them and how to get rid of them.

Resources:                                                                                                                                                                                                         https://www.verywellhealth.com/red-spots-on-skin-5112642
https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/red-spots-on-skin
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21636-petechiae
https://www.vucare.com/2023/05/15/red-spots-on-skin-causes-treatment/