Spotted

What Are Those Red Spots on Your Skin? A Visual Guide to 7 Common Causes

Not sure what category your dilemma falls into? Fear not: We've got helpful photos for guidance. Plus, dermatologists explain what these red marks are — and how to treat them.
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Though there seems to be an endless list of skin concerns and irritations, there's nothing more baffling than waking up with mysterious unidentified red spots. Whether it's on your arms, legs, or face, red bumps can be equal parts concerning and frustrating. It might be difficult, if not impossible, to self-diagnose this issue because there is a very broad range of conditions that cause the appearance of red spots.

That's where we come in. We talked to a handful of experts about a variety of skin-care conditions that could cause these types of outbreaks. You can consider this article a helpful jumping-off point before booking an appointment with a dermatologist. 

"If you're dealing with a skin condition, see a board-certified dermatologist to help figure out what you are dealing with," says Andrea Suarez, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Houston, Texas. "Many times people will try and self-diagnose and self-treat skin conditions and end up making the problem worse." 

Though there are certain conditions that are common causes for these types of red spots and bumps, everyone's issues can be attributed to a number of different circumstances. "The sooner you get an accurate diagnosis for a skin condition, the sooner the right treatment plan can be initiated," says Dr. Suarez. "This will save you time, money, and your skin."

That said, keep reading for a list and breakdown of some of the top causes of red spots — and how to treat them. 


Meet the experts:
  • Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai in New York City.
  • Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills and a clinical instructor at the University of Southern California.
  • John Diaz, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills.
  • Joel Schlessinger, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Nebraska.
  • Corey L Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Alabama.
  • Andrea Suarez, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Houston, Texas.
  • Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

Click to jump to the right section for you:

Or, read up on all the common causes of red spots, dots, rashes, and bumps that can pop up on your skin.

1. Red Splotches or a Rash

What it could be: Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis, also known as an allergic reaction, is a common occurrence that causes red spots or bumps. "The reaction can be from any kind of foreign substance — a fabric, a plant, a cleaning product," says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama. "It usually appears as a rash where the skin has come in contact with the irritant."

These rashes can look like red splotches or sometimes very dry, cracked, scaly skin. With the worst type of irritation, you may notice some swelling, bumps, and blisters.

If you think this applies to you, then you'll want to start by trying to identify what caused the reaction. If you're able to do this, you'll obviously want to steer clear of the irritant moving forward. If the rash starts to itch, Hartman recommends using a hydrocortisone cream like PCA Skin CliniCalm 1% or Cortizone Plus Ultra Moisturizing Creme. "Otherwise, just leave it alone and it typically goes away in a few days," he advises. 

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PCA Skin

PCA Skin CliniCalm 1%

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Cortizone

Ultra Moisturizing Anti-Itch Crème

2. Red, Scaly Plaques or Patches

It could be: Psoriasis
Model. (Photo By BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images)BSIP

"Psoriasis is a condition in which the immune system gets angry at the skin, leading to red, scaly plaques," New York City board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, explains. "Usually you'll see it on elbows and knees, but psoriasis can appear anywhere, including the scalp, lower back, nails, and even the genitals."

Beverly Hills-based, board-certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, expands, saying, "This is a genetic, autoimmune, inflammatory condition in which your skin cells divide too quickly and do not shed quickly enough." This is what then creates the inflamed plaques.

According to Dr. Shainhouse, psoriasis is often associated with psoriatic arthritis, metabolic syndrome, elevated triglycerides, increased risk for heart disease, and obesity. It's not something you want to ignore.

Dr. Hartman says that a mild form of psoriasis can be treated with over-the-counter moisturizers containing an exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid to help slough away the scaly plaques. Products like  CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream and Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment help to repair skin.

CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream blue pump bottle on white background

CeraVe

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin

Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA in purple squeeze bottle on white background

Paula's Choice

Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA

However, if you're dealing with moderate to severe psoriasis, you'll need to visit your dermatologist. "Moderate to severe psoriasis is best managed with the patient and their physician, as there are a combination of in-office, at-home, and prescription treatments for the condition," Dr. Hartman says. Mild psoriasis can be treated with prescription steroid or cortisone creams, but more severe cases require pills or shots. 

Dr. Shainhouse previously told Allure that phototherapy can also help. "UV light is generally a no-no in dermatology since we know that too much can be associated with the development of skin cancer and melanoma," she explains. "However, it has an anti-inflammatory effect in psoriatic skin, and is a very useful option for reducing skin disease and symptoms."

3. Rough Bumps on Your Arms, Legs, or Cheeks

It could be: Keratosis pilaris (colloquially known as "chicken skin")
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If you've noticed rough bumps on your arms, legs, or cheeks, these could be a sign of Keratosis Pilaris. Dr. Shainhouse says this is caused by the retention of keratin in the openings of hair follicles and can be exacerbated by dry weather.

These bumps essentially act as a dry skin marker, which can also be associated with eczema, according to New York-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, explains. "A lack of moisturization, decreased exfoliation, and buildup of dead skin in pores also leads to the condition." She says certain unsuspecting irritants found in everyday items like harsh soaps, detergents, and fabric softeners, can also be linked to these red bumps.

You'll want to avoid any of these products, as well as hot showers. "Don't try to scrub off the bumps or use a rough loofah — doing so will only exacerbate the condition," Dr. Hartman says. Though he assures us you can exfoliate the skin, you'll want to mostly focus on adding moisture back to it to combat the bumps. 

"While it does tend to improve with age, it can be managed with moisturizers and topical exfoliants, including alpha and beta hydroxy acids, like salicylic, lactic or glycolic acids," Dr. Shainhouse says. "If these don't help, ask your dermatologist about trying a prescription retinoid." We recommend the Best of Beauty-winning and $10 E.L.F. Gentle Peeling Exfoliant or L'Oréal's Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum.

Elf Gentle Peeling Exfoliant in blue pump bottle on white background

E.L.F.

E.L.F. Gentle Peeling Exfoliant

L'oréal Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum in red bottle on white background

L'Oréal Paris

L'oréal Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum

3. Red, Purple, or Gray Patches and Inflamed Skin

It could be: Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Mostly commonly known as eczema, atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. "Atopic dermatitis appears as red patches or spots of inflamed skin, though in deeper skin tones, the affected areas may have more of a purple to gray hue," Dr. Suarez says. "Flares can be triggered by stress, poor sleep, drying soaps and body washes, dry weather, and exposure to allergens."

Dr. King notes that those with eczema usually have been dealing with the skin-care condition since childhood. "There is usually a history of eczema since childhood, as well as a family history," she says. "And it is often accompanied by a personal and/or family history of asthma and/or allergies.”

Though eczema might taper off with age, Dr. Suarez says that it can flare well into adulthood. "Basically the immune system is overactive in the skin and this leads to inflammation that triggers skin barrier dysfunction, dryness, and insufferable itch," she explains.

Avoiding triggers and using moisturizers is key when it comes to decreasing discomfort and minimizing flare-ups. As dermatologists previously told Allure, colloidal oatmeal baths can help treat and relieve symptoms. One such product that you can find at drugstores is Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment. If you prefer lotions or don't have a bathtub, reach for Gold Bond Cream for Eczema Relief Skin Protectant Cream with 2% Colloidal Oatmeal.

Aveeno Soothing Oatmeal Bath Treatment in blue and white box on white background

Aveeno

Aveeno Soothing Oatmeal Bath Treatment

Gold Bond Ultimate Cream Eczema Relief in white squeeze bottle with gold cap on white background

Gold Bond

Gold Bond Ultimate Cream Eczema Relief

If you're dealing with regular flares, though, you'll want to see your dermatologist to possibly obtain prescriptions. "Prescription steroid and anti-inflammatory creams can help treat flare-ups," Dr. Suarez explains. "For more involved cases, there are a lot of new medications that target specific aspects of the inflammation in the skin to control atopic dermatitis."

4. Cherry-Red Bumps

It could be: Cherry angiomas
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Dr. Shainhouse says these common, cherry-red bumps on the skin are made up of a group of dilated blood vessels. "We are not sure why they pop up, but most people start to slowly develop them by age 30," she says. Adds Dr. Suarez: "They occur on any body site, and are pinhead size to a few millimeters in diameter."

Both professionals assure us that these bumps are not dangerous in any way, nor do they lead to uncomfortable itches or pains. Therefore, they don't necessarily need to be treated. With that being said, Dr. Shainhouse and Dr. Suarez confirm that they can be removed using electrocautery, lasers, or shave removal. "However, removing them does not guarantee that more won't appear later on," Dr. Suarez says.  

5. Small Red Bumps on Your Body and/or in Places Covered by a Bathing Suit

It could be: Folliculitis
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Folliculitis is a condition in which small red bumps develop on the back, chest, shoulders, and buttocks and are caused by inflammation and irritation of the hair follicles and are sometimes related to bacteria and yeast on the skin, says Dr. Shainhouse. 

Dr. Suarez further notes that there's also a more specific (less common), related condition known as hot tub folliculitis. "This mainly occurs on skin covered by a bathing suit and starts 12 to 48 hours after being in a hot tub," she says. "It is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in hot tubs." To avoid this, make sure your water has continuous filtration and adequate chlorine levels to decrease the risk of infection.

If your folliculitis is not hot tub related, Dr. Shainhouse suggests changing out of sweaty clothing as soon as possible post-workout, using anti-bacterial and anti-yeast washes in the shower, and maybe even a topical prescription antibiotic solution. For washes, we love Nécessaire's The Body Wash and Dove Care & Protect Antibacterial Body Wash.

Nécessaire The Body Wash in gold bottle with white cap on white background

Necessaire

Nécessaire The Body Wash

Dove Care & Protect Antibacterial Body Wash Soap in white squeeze bottle on white background

Dove

Dove Care & Protect Antibacterial Body Wash Soap

6. Clusters of Tiny Red Spots on Your Face

It could be: Broken capillaries
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Red spots that appear on the face are often caused by broken capillaries, which are "tiny blood vessels that run through the surface of the skin," says John Diaz, MD, a Beverly Hills-based board-certified plastic surgeon. Some of the most common reasons blood vessels break are a fluctuation in hormones, sun damage, and skin conditions, like rosacea, he says.

Fortunately, if it's hormonal, the red spots will go away on their own. If it's sun damage or a skin condition, like rosacea, your dermatologist can discuss treatments with you.


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