Other common causes include harmless cherry angiomas, fungal ringworm, pityriasis rosea, psoriasis, and lichen planus. Their appearance may vary from round red marks and scaly patches to flat purple or itchy spots.
Red or purple patches may also be purpura, which happens when small blood vessels leak beneath the skin. Although some spots disappear naturally, widespread or unexplained marks may require medical evaluation.
Seek medical care if the spots spread quickly, persist, bleed, or appear with fever, severe swelling, pain, breathing difficulty, or other unusual symptoms. A healthcare professional can identify the exact cause and recommend suitable treatment.