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Health

Causes of red spots on the legs

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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The concept of skin spots is used in medicine when changes of different shapes, shades and sizes appear on any part of the epidermis. The causes of red spots on the legs are associated with many factors. But in any case, this indicates an imbalance in the body, internal or external pathological processes.

Reasons for the appearance

Let's look at the most common causes of dermatological disorders:

  • Allergy.
  • Viral infections – some viral pathologies are accompanied by rashes on the skin. Against this background, body temperature rises and general well-being worsens.
  • Injuries, damage to the skin by various substances (poisons, chemicals, burns), insect bites.
  • Improper nutrition.
  • Hormonal imbalance.
  • Disruptions in the functioning of the nervous system (frequent stress, anxiety).
  • Avitaminosis.
  • Mycosis - in addition to red marks on the skin, the fungus causes severe itching. Weeping blisters may appear, especially between the toes.
  • Varicose veins are a disorder of blood circulation in the legs and swelling of the peripheral veins. It manifests itself as swelling, pain, and heaviness in the joints.
  • Vasculitis is an inflammation and further destruction of the walls of blood vessels due to circulatory disorders. Accompanied by muscle and joint pain, increased weakness and temperature.
  • Venereal diseases – spots appear not only on the legs, but also in the groin area. Most often, this symptom indicates syphilis.
  • Hemangioma is a benign growth that causes blood vessels to become tangled, causing red marks to appear on the legs.
  • Pink lichen - round or oval spots with a bright red border appear on the body.

All of the above reasons require careful diagnostics and differentiation. To do this, you should contact qualified doctors who will accurately determine the cause of the local change in tissue color and select the appropriate treatment to eliminate the symptom.

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Pathogenesis

The mechanism of occurrence of any skin rashes depends entirely on the causes of the pathological condition. The pathogenesis of red spots on the legs can be associated with a malfunction of internal organs, hormonal imbalances, and various allergic reactions. In some cases, frequent experiences and stress provoke skin reactions. That is, the pathogenesis is directly related to etiological factors.

If itching, burning and peeling appear against the background of skin color changes, this indicates a clinical picture of a certain disease. Spots on the legs that appear after contact with synthetic fibers or cosmetics indicate the development of an allergic reaction. After the allergen stops acting, the rash disappears and the epidermis returns to normal. But in any case, if changes occur, you should consult a doctor.

Red spots on toes

Many people face such a problem as red spots on their toes. The appearance of this symptom is a direct indication for seeking medical help. The dermatologist will conduct a series of diagnostic examinations to determine the cause of the problem and how to treat it.

Most often, the appearance of a red rash is associated with the following factors:

  • Allergic reactions

Skin changes can be small, barely noticeable or, on the contrary, large. In most cases, they are accompanied by such a symptom as severe itching. After some time, the dots turn into blisters with liquid or pus, which indicates the addition of a bacterial infection.

There are many reasons why allergies develop – food, cosmetics, clothing, household chemicals, animals. For treatment, local remedies are used, that is, gels, creams and ointments, solutions that are applied directly to the affected area. Relief occurs 1-2 hours after their use.

  • Skin diseases

A bright rash on the toes, which is accompanied by itching, may indicate psoriasis. This pathology is very serious, so it requires medical attention. Initially, red dots appear on the body, which gradually grow, rising above the epidermis. Each such spot itches and flakes. Attempts to remove it or scratch it lead to injury and the appearance of blood.

It is impossible to cure this problem completely. But if you follow all the doctor's recommendations (diet, physical therapy, drug therapy), you can achieve stable remission.

  • Infectious pathologies

Unpleasant symptoms may indicate erysipelas. It is an infectious disorder and is caused by streptococcal pathogens. The rash is painful and causes a lot of discomfort when walking. In addition to the rash, general weakness and fever appear.

The appearance of a rash on the toes and other parts of the body may indicate measles.

Most often, this disease affects children and adults with a weakened immune system. As it progresses, the rash merges into large red inflamed spots. Treatment should be carried out by a doctor. The patient is prescribed antibacterial and other medications. The speed of recovery depends on the stage of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient's body.

  • Metabolic disorders

Changes in the skin may indicate metabolic disorders. If the rash gradually spreads from the toes to other parts of the body, this indicates hemosiderosis. The disease is associated with liver dysfunction. This pathology is not life-threatening, but causes aesthetic inconvenience.

In any case, dermatological changes are a problem that requires medical attention. The sooner the causes are identified and treatment is found, the higher the chances of avoiding various complications.

Red spots on arms and legs

Health is directly related to the condition of the skin, since it is one of the first to react to many diseases. Red spots on the arms and legs indicate the development of a pathological process. Rashes that itch, peel and cause painful sensations are especially dangerous.

Let's consider the main causes of the painful condition:

  • Allergy

It manifests itself as both small spots and large marks that cover certain areas of the body. Irritation occurs due to allergens getting on the epidermis. This can be household chemicals, cosmetics, some food products, medications, dust, wool, synthetic clothing, plant pollen and much more. In order to determine what caused the rash, you need to seek medical help and undergo a series of diagnostic tests. Antihistamines are prescribed for treatment.

  • Dermatitis

This is another type of allergic reaction. Inflammation occurs when in contact with an irritant, for example, when using aggressive cosmetics. Treatment is aimed at eliminating the provoking factor and restoring the skin.

  • Photodermatosis

Sun allergy manifests itself as voluminous red spots on the arms, legs, face and other parts of the body. With prolonged exposure to solar radiation, the rash begins to itch and peel, blisters with liquid contents appear. Treatment consists of treating the skin with special creams with UV protection.

  • Infections

If the rash is accompanied by a rise in temperature and a deterioration in general health, this may indicate a viral infection. Most often, this is observed with chickenpox, measles, rubella or scarlet fever. With each type of disorder, skin changes have their own characteristics.

  • Measles is an acute infectious viral disease. It manifests itself as a feverish condition, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nasopharynx and respiratory tract. Spotted-papular rashes appear on the arms and legs, which gradually spread to the face and other parts of the body.
  • Chickenpox – occurs due to the herpes virus, is a highly contagious infection, as it is transmitted by airborne droplets. In addition to the extremities, the rash appears on other parts of the body. Patients complain of severe itching. At the same time, scratching can lead to tissue injury and secondary infection.

  • Rubella – has vague symptoms and can be disguised as other problems. Patients suffer from increased fatigue and weakness. The rash is oval and red.
  • Scarlet fever – caused by streptococcal infection. Very often accompanied by sore throat. The rash is small, but can merge and form dry red areas.
  • Pink lichen - most often occurs in people with a weakened immune system. It manifests itself as marks with a bright red rim. Later, spots with a pink center and a red rim form around the rash. The painful condition is accompanied by severe itching. Treatment consists of a hypoallergenic diet and antihistamines.
  • Nervous experiences - in this case, the rash occurs during periods of increased emotional stress. It can be accompanied by severe itching and even burning. The pathological condition is associated with a violation of vascular tone, that is, vegetative dysfunction.

In addition to the above reasons, dermatology counts more than a hundred pathological conditions in which similar symptoms occur. For diagnosis and treatment, you should consult a dermatologist.

Red spots on the soles of the feet

Although the feet are not visible to others, you should not ignore them, especially if any rashes or other dermatological reactions have appeared. Red spots on the feet are one of the first signs of serious disorders in the body. Most often, they occur due to the following reasons:

  1. Dermatitis is an inflammatory lesion of the epidermis. The rash appears due to the following factors: pressure, friction, bacteria, viruses, fungi, intoxication, metabolic disorders, solar radiation.
  2. Allergy - when in contact with irritants (grass, dust, etc.), redness appears, which is accompanied by itching.
  3. Mycosis - a fungal infection develops due to poor personal hygiene, walking barefoot in public places (swimming pool, sauna, locker room), and wearing someone else's shoes. Predisposing factors include increased sweating of the feet, flat feet, diabetes, and weakened immunity.
  4. Hemangioma is a benign neoplasm of the vascular membranes. At the initial stage of this disease, irregularly shaped red dots form on the body, including the feet.
  5. Varicose veins - manifest themselves not only by varicose veins, swelling and blood stagnation in the lower extremities, but also by rashes on the feet.
  6. Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disorder that affects all body structures. This is especially noticeable in the lower extremities. It is possible to develop diabetic foot syndrome, when the soles of the feet become dark burgundy due to poor nutrition of the skin.
  7. Gastrointestinal diseases – even a small spot on the foot can signal digestive problems. If the redness covers a large area of the foot, this indicates intestinal dysbacteriosis.
  8. Bedsores are a violation of the integrity of the epidermis, subcutaneous tissue and muscle tissue. They develop due to prolonged compression of soft tissues. This is observed in bedridden patients. At the initial stage, the violation is manifested by hyperemic areas that can develop into ulcers.
  9. Avitaminosis and poor nutrition – eating unhealthy foods (fried, fatty, spicy, sweet, salty) leads to skin problems, including on the feet. With avitaminosis, that is, a deficiency of nutrients in the body, the same symptoms are observed.
  10. Vegetative disorders – associated with prolonged stress, increased physical or mental stress. In this case, the body switches on an adaptation mechanism that leads to the expansion of small capillaries. This is manifested by local areas of redness.
  11. Viruses - changes in the skin of the feet are observed with rubella, chickenpox and other viral infections. Similar symptoms are also characteristic of ARVI.

In addition to the above reasons, skin disorders are possible due to the action of various irritants. These can be mechanical, chemical or physical factors that cause an inflammatory reaction. For example, burns, frostbite, aggressive substances in cosmetics, wearing uncomfortable or tight shoes.

Red spots on the shins and calves of the legs

The appearance of any rash on the body is a rather alarming symptom that requires medical attention. Red spots on the shins and calves of the legs are most often associated with the following reasons:

  • Diabetes mellitus.
  • Hormonal disorders.
  • Vasculitis.
  • Lichen.
  • Allergic reactions.
  • Fungal infections.
  • Hepatitis.
  • Venous hyperemia.
  • Various injuries and insect bites.
  • Hemangioma.

If the changes are accompanied by painful sensations when pressing on them, this may indicate metabolic disorders or disorders of the digestive system. If the rash is flaky, then it may be pink lichen.

Very often, hyperemic areas of skin on the shins and calves of the legs are an allergic reaction. Against their background, blisters with liquid or dry areas and crusts are formed. In any case, this symptom requires careful diagnosis, as it can indicate quite serious problems with the body.

Red spots on the joints of the legs

Every person at least once in their life has encountered such a problem as rashes on the body. Red spots on the joints of the legs occur rarely, so they cause panic. And this is not surprising, since the causes of this symptom can be dangerous for the body.

Most often, the pathological condition is associated with the following factors:

  • Varicose veins (initial stage).
  • Diabetes mellitus.
  • Hemangioma.
  • Scleroderma.
  • Psoriasis.

The most harmless cause is irritation. This is observed when wearing synthetic clothing (tights, socks), using cosmetics (creams, lotions) or a razor. In addition to the rash, minor itching and peeling are possible.

A more serious cause of the disorder is arthritis and gout. In addition to skin changes, there is increased pain in the big toes and feet. The joints swell greatly, and any touch to them causes sharp pain. Such symptoms are also characteristic of acute phlebitis. With thrombophlebitis, the temperature in the area of the rash is elevated and there is slight itching.

Red spots on legs and buttocks

Such a symptom as red spots on the legs and buttocks is characteristic not only of allergic reactions, but also of vasculitis. Let's consider in more detail the second reason for skin changes.

Vasculitis is a condition in which blood vessels are affected. Most often, people under 20 years of age face this pathology, but in some cases it is diagnosed at an earlier age. It is believed that the development of the disease is directly related to a predisposition to allergic reactions. The main causes of vasculitis include:

  • Infectious lesions, bacteria and viruses (herpes, flu, respiratory diseases, helminths, trichomonas, streptococci and staphylococci).
  • Taking medications.
  • Insect bites.
  • Food allergy.
  • Hypothermia.
  • Burn disease.
  • Vaccination and serums.

Risk factors for the appearance of a rash include: a tendency to atopic dermatitis, frequent infections, pregnancy, and old age. Vasculitis has several degrees (minor, moderate, and high), depending on the severity of symptoms.

As for the symptoms, the disease begins acutely. The body temperature rises sharply, and signs of a respiratory infection appear. After a while, red areas form on the legs and buttocks, joint damage and abdominal syndrome are possible. It is the localization of the spots on the skin that allows one to suspect vasculitis.

Treatment is carried out by a rheumatologist, dermatologist and other specialists. At the first stage, the patient is prescribed enterosorbents (remove toxins from the body), antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants (improve blood microcirculation) and antibiotics. If necessary, symptomatic therapy is also carried out, using local drugs to eliminate the rash.

Red spots on the stomach and legs

A symptom such as red spots on the stomach and legs most often occurs due to the following reasons:

  • Various allergic reactions.
  • Infectious diseases (rubella, scabies, scarlet fever).
  • Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Metabolic disorders.
  • Disorders of the nervous system.
  • Disorders of the endocrine system.

Taking various medications can cause urticaria. One of its symptoms is a rash on the stomach and legs. Similar symptoms are observed with insect bites, consumption of allergenic products. The disorder occurs due to liver disease, kidney disease, and even helminthic invasion. In some cases, the rash turns into itchy blisters with liquid. When scratching and traumatizing them, there is a risk of secondary infection.

The spots appear with such an infectious lesion as lichen. The rash has the shape of coins with clearly defined edges. Inside it are small bubbles filled with liquid or pus. Lichen marks itch a lot, causing increased discomfort. Similar symptoms are characteristic of erythema of infectious origin. As it progresses, the rashes merge with each other, forming extensive lesions of the epidermis. It is possible to determine what exactly caused the pathological symptoms only with a comprehensive diagnosis.

Temperature and red spots on legs

As a rule, infectious diseases are the main reason for the appearance of symptoms such as fever and red spots on the legs. At the same time, the pathological condition does not necessarily make itself known immediately, it can occur 2-4 days after the onset of the disease.

Let's look at the main pathologies that are characterized by an increase in temperature and rashes on the body:

  1. Rubella - the first symptom of this disease is a rash. It can appear not only on the legs, but also on other parts of the body. Against its background, the temperature rises and the general state of health worsens.

  1. Measles - at first, the patient suffers from high temperature, cough, stuffy nose and increased tearfulness. Very often, such symptoms are mistaken for a flu infection. But on the 2-3 day, red rashes appear. Moreover, with their appearance, the temperature begins to decrease.
  2. Chickenpox – in most cases, the rash has no specific localization. Changes can be seen not only on the legs, but also on the tongue. A couple of hours after its appearance, the rash increases in size and fills with liquid. As the infection is eliminated, the blisters dry up and the temperature returns to normal.
  3. Scarlet fever – in addition to fever and rash, severe itching occurs. The spots can spread all over the body, leaving the area above the upper lip and in the chin area clear – the so-called scarlet fever triangle
  4. Roseola - usually occurs in newborns. The baby's temperature rises sharply, which decreases on the 2nd-3rd day. Instead, red dots appear on the extremities.
  5. Allergy - elevated temperature and changes in the skin associated with the penetration of an allergen into the body. Against this background, additional pathological symptoms may arise, for example, cough or runny nose.

In addition to the above reasons, painful symptoms may be associated with poor hygiene, diseases of the circulatory system or parasitic infestations.

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