If you notice small red dots on your skin, they can signal many things, from harmless cherry angiomas and irritation to heat rash or allergies. Rarely, sudden spreading spots may suggest infection or bleeding issues—check with a healthcare professional promptly. ❤️🩺

Beyond petechiae and cherry angiomas, there are many other everyday explanations for red dots on the skin. Heat rash, also known as miliaria, develops when sweat becomes trapped in the skin, especially in hot, humid environments. It often appears as clusters of small red bumps and may cause itching or a prickly sensation. Allergic reactions and contact dermatitis are also common culprits, occurring after exposure to new soaps, detergents, lotions, fragrances, plants, or chemicals. These reactions often come with itching, redness, or irritation and usually improve once the trigger is removed. Keratosis pilaris causes rough, tiny bumps that can appear red or flesh-colored, most commonly on the upper arms, thighs, or cheeks, and results from a buildup of keratin in hair follicles. Viral infections can also cause red spots or rashes, often alongside symptoms like fever, sore throat, or fatigue. In most of these situations, the skin changes are temporary and resolve as the body heals or environmental conditions change. Continue reading…