What Do Red Dots on Your Skin Mean? Here’s a Quick Guide

Noticing red dots on your skin can be unsettling, but many causes are harmless. These spots can appear suddenly and vary in shape, size, and cause—from tiny pinpoint dots like petechiae, often due to broken capillaries, to raised red bumps like cherry angiomas, which are common and benign with age.

Some skin issues, like heat rash or allergic reactions, are typically temporary and triggered by sweat or allergens. Others, such as folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles) or impetigo (a contagious bacterial infection), may require basic treatment or antibiotics. Cellulitis, a deeper bacterial infection, is more serious and needs immediate medical care.

More complex conditions include vasculitis, which involves inflamed blood vessels and may be linked to autoimmune disorders, and hemangiomas, red birthmarks caused by abnormal blood vessel growth. Though usually harmless, these can occasionally need medical attention.

If red spots come with fever, swelling, fatigue, or spread quickly, it’s important to see a doctor. Monitoring changes in your skin is a smart way to protect your overall health.