In some cases, red spots may signal an underlying issue like an allergic reaction orskin cancer.
Red Spots on Different Skin Tones
Spots may not look the same on different skin tones.
On darker skin, the rash may appear as a white circle with darker skin surrounding it.
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This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
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Treating Heat Rash
Heat rash usually gets better on its own in a few days.
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They will prescribe oral or topicalantibioticsto relieve pain and clear up the infection.
While heat rash is sparked by high temperatures and sweat, a sun rash is more likegetting a sunburn.
The bumps can be raised or flat.
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The growths might be mistaken for a tumor, but they are not cancer.
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Obencem/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Treating Cherry Angiomas
Cherry angiomas are diagnosed by having a provider look at them.
Obencem/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Usually, they do not require treatment.
Your provider can explain the options forremoving the growths, like lasers or liquid nitrogen.
Usually, these procedures do not hurt.
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Contact Dermatitis
Red or discolored spots on the skin can also be fromcontact dermatitis, a common skin condition.
Contact dermatitis usually shows up as an itchy red or discolored rash with bumps.
It can also cause swollen, dry, flaky skin on any part of the body.
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Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection that causes red,blotchy, circular rash with raised edges.
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Ringworm is highly contagious.
It’s very easy to spread it through skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated objects or surfaces.
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Pets can also transmit the fungus that causes ringworm.
Treating Ringworm
Most cases of ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) or prescriptionantifungal cream.
If it’s not treated properly,ringwormcan spread and may require anoral antifungal drugto clear up.
Joel Carillet / Getty Images
Bug Bites
Joel Carillet / Getty Images
Bug bites often cause red spots on the skin.
Scratching can delay healing and increase the risk of infection, so it’s important to resist the urge.
For red, itchy bites, over-the-counter treatments can help.
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Tick bitesrequire extra attention.
Watch for any rash or flu-like symptoms, as these can indicateLyme disease.
Lice bitesmay indicate you still have lice on your scalp.
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Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Red or discolored spots on the skin can be from chronic skin conditions.
Eczema can also be found on thefeet, toes, and fingers.
Some people with eczema notice redness anditchiness after they take a shower.
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Atopic dermatitis is usually seen in children under the age of 5.
It can usually be diagnosed by a provider through a physical exam.
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One example is adrug rash, which pops up if your body has anallergic reaction to a medication.
Drug rashes can appear ashives, rashes, orblistersthat may cover the whole body or just one part.
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For mild reactions, your provider may prescribe treatments such assteroidsorantihistaminesto help reduce swelling and pain.
Severe delayed reactions may require immediate medical attention or hospitalization.
Allergic reactions to medication can be serious and sometimes life-threatening.
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If arashdevelops in the hours, days, or weeks after a new medication, contact your provider immediately.
Spots may appear gray, dark brown, or even black on people with darker skin.
It is a common rash that usually affects adolescents, teens, and young adults.
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It isnot a serious condition(benign).
The spots can be scaly and itchy.
It often shows up after an infection.
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Sometimes, a person also has aheadache, sore throat, and fever.
Treating Pityriasis Rosea
Sometimes,pityriasis roseawill disappear on its own in six to eight weeks.
However, your healthcare provider may recommend treatments, such as:
9.
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Purpura happens when small blood vessels burst and blood pools under the skin.
For example, when they are widespread it can be a sign of ablood clotting disorder.
Steroids are sometimes prescribed for purpura.
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Intravenous (IV) medications might be needed if a person with purpura has alow platelet count.
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The rash typically develops within a day of exposure to the contaminated water.
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A psoriasis rash is itchy and red with silveryplaques, most often on the elbows, and knees.
Theplaquesform when the immune system overproduces skin cells.
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Lichen Planus.TimoninaIryna / Getty Images
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Thetreatment for psoriasisdepends on how severe the lesions are but can include:
12.
Lichen Planus
Red or discolored spots on the skin can also be because of other autoimmune diseases.
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It typically appears as a flat, itchy, purple rash.
Lichen planus is more common in women and people between the ages of 30 and 60.
TimoninaIryna / Getty Images
Treating Lichen Planus
Lichen planusis not contagious.
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To manage symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend the following:
13.
Petechiae
Petechiaeis a condition in which small red or discolored rash-like dots appear on the skin.
They occur when tiny blood vessels beneath the skin burst.
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The dots tend to be smaller and more diffuse than cherry angiomas.
The condition may not be as visible on darker skin.
Petechiae red or discolored marks are not raised and do not itch.
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They can spread to different parts of the body and form larger patches.
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Treating Petechiae
Treatment of petechiae depends on the underlying cause.
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The spots will go away on their own.
The pimples form whenpores become blockedby oil, dead skin cells, andbacteria.
Treating Pimples
Mild acne can often be treated at home withover-the-counter (OTC) acne products.
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A more severe form of acne, calledcystic acne, may require treatment by a dermatologist.
It also causes a feeling of burning or stinging when applying water or skincare products to the affected areas.
The causes of rosacea are not well understood, but it does run in families.
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Triggers may include:
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Treating Rosacea
Rosacea can’t be cured, but avoiding triggers can help reduce flare-ups.
When your skin does become irritated, see a healthcare provider for treatment that can reduce symptoms.
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These include prescriptions for topical products or oral antibiotics that you may need to use for up to weeks.
For example:
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Basal cell carcinoma has several effective treatments includingMohssurgery.
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Melanoma may require surgical removal of the tumor.
Radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are other options.
Treating Chicken Pox
Often, children do not need any treatment.
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The virus will run its course.
However, torelieve the symptomsyou can try calamine lotion and cool baths with baking soda or colloidal oatmeal.
Adults and people with underlying health issues may be at risk for severe cases of chicken pox.
Natalya Maisheva / Getty Images
Antiviral medications may relieve symptoms and speed up healing.
These spots are typically flat and red, often merging into larger blotchy patches as the rash progresses.
The rash typically resolves within four to seven days.
Zay Nyi Nyi / Getty Images
It is managed like other viral infections with rest, fluids, and medications to reduce fever or discomfort.
If you or a child may have measles, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
If youve beenvaccinated, your provider may recommend isolation and symptom management to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Impetigo is marked by red spots or sores on the skin.
Treating Impetigo
Antibiotics are the main treatment for impetigo.
With the right treatment, impetigo usually clears up in about a week, though it may leave scars.
Summary
Red or discolored spots on the skin can have many causes.
Some are not serious and will get better on their own without treatment.
Other underlying causes are serious and may need to be treated.
Conditions like heat rash, cherry angiomas, lichen planus, and pityriasis rosea often do not need treatment.
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