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Types of red spots on the skin of the body: small and large

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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One of the most common problems in dermatology today is considered to be red spots on the body. They are rarely an accidental, spontaneous manifestation. Most often, it is a symptom of some somatic, less often - neuropsychiatric disease. It is important to accurately determine the cause and select the appropriate treatment. Only then can the skin problem be completely and effectively cured. Often, it is enough to eliminate the cause, and the spots, as a result, will go away on their own. In some cases, special medications or physiotherapy procedures are required.

There are many different classifications of red rash. The classification is based on various factors. Thus, by etiology, there are spots of bacterial, fungal, viral origin, allergic spots. By localization: spots located on the body, neck, face, limbs.

Also distinguished are erythrosis, couperose, rosacea. With couperose, small vessels expand. With erythrosis, redness is observed. Localized in the area of the nose and cheeks. For erythrosis, spots are characteristic. Occurs against the background of the development of papules, pustules.

Large red spots on the body

If a person has recently had an infectious or allergic disease, red spots of a relatively large size may appear on his body. Often, there are several factors that, when combined, cause their development. Such factors are often an allergen or a microorganism (virus, bacteria, fungus, etc.). Usually, such spots are of a fairly dense consistency, the size can vary from fractions of a centimeter to 5-6 centimeters. At the same time, such spots are often not caused by any disease, but are an independent manifestation. Large spots appear with erythema, can be a consequence of the development of mental trauma. A person can react too emotionally to what is happening, which will also cause the appearance of spots. This can even be a reaction to an increased level of physical activity, overheating, hypothermia. They can be single or multiple. At the same time, some of them, located nearby, can merge with each other.

Often appear after mechanical impact on the skin, in particular, physiotherapy, massage, manual therapy sessions, and even scrubbing, peeling, cleaning, solarium and other cosmetic procedures. With increased skin sensitivity - even after a mask. This is quite easy to explain: the skin is exposed to mechanical and chemical impact, the pores expand, accordingly, blood flow increases and spots develop. Such spots that appear after mechanical intervention can disappear on their own, do not need additional interventions or help.

Small red spots on the body

Similar spots can be diagnosed with scleroderma. In parallel, scar tissue develops. Two forms of pathology can be distinguished: limited and systemic. With a limited form, only the skin is affected, with systemic scleroderma, the insides and parenchyma are also affected. The skin becomes dense, glossy, resembles ivory and is covered with a rash on top, turning into small erosions.

They also develop with prolonged exposure to skin irritants.

Red spots on the body like bites

There may be many reasons. The list of them is endless, starting from the development of some infectious process and ending with autoimmune aggression, in which the body perceives the cells of its own body as foreign agents and launches eliminating factors against them. If these spots are of an allergic nature, they spread quite quickly.

There are also frequent cases when such spots act as signs of a serious inflammatory process or infection, in which pathologies of internal organs and blood vessels develop. They require immediate professional help.

In addition, it is necessary to check whether the spots are really just similar to bites, or you were really bitten or stung by an insect, for example, a mosquito bite, a flea, or another small insect that a person did not notice. Many insects inject a dose of anesthetic during a bite, which blocks the pain, and a person does not feel the bite itself. At the same time, enzymes and saliva particles enter the blood, which have a different effect on the body.

If a person is prone to allergies, this condition can be extremely dangerous. Any bite significantly increases the allergization of cells. This can result in severe allergic diseases, metabolic disorders, and even anaphylactic shock. Therefore, when the first signs appear (dizziness, increased sweating), it is necessary to provide emergency assistance immediately.

Red rough spots on the body

Often act as one of the symptoms of incipient psoriasis. Or it is a consequence of the influence of negative environmental factors on the body, increased sensitization of the body. Often are a concomitant pathology with a violation of heat exchange. For example, in winter, when exposed to low temperatures and dry air in rooms, with a sharp change in temperature.

Red spots on the body appear and disappear

This is possible in neurasthenics and emotionally unstable, hot-tempered individuals. Often this is a consequence of stress, severe nervous and mental shock, during which a person had to mobilize all their internal reserves. Often such a reaction is observed when a person is told extremely unpleasant and even sad news. Sometimes they appear during nervous stress, if a person has led a double life for a long time and hid their true feelings and emotions. It can be a consequence of overwork, when a person does not follow the daily routine, works too intensively and tensely. It is important to track the reason and under what circumstances they appear and disappear. This information can be an important diagnostic sign that will help the doctor establish the correct diagnosis.

Red and white spots on the body

Most often, this indicates the development of an inflammatory reaction and depigmentation of the skin. It can occur during a period when hormonal changes or failures occur. For example, it is quite a common phenomenon in adolescents with an unstable psyche and an unformed emotional background. It can be noticed no less often in pregnant women, since the adaptation period is always associated with hormonal changes. In women of climacteric age, during menopause, as well as in elderly and old people, the development of a similar phenomenon can also be observed. It is also present in ovarian dysfunction, infertility, and long-term use of hormonal contraceptives.

Red spots on the body with and without fever

If the temperature rises, it means that there is some factor of infectious etiology in the body, an acute inflammatory process, severe intoxication, catarrhal syndrome is developing. It is necessary to start treatment as soon as possible in order to prevent further progression, in particular, erosion, crusting and wateriness. The danger is that they can indicate that a dangerous infectious disease is occurring in the body, for example, measles, chickenpox.

Spots of non-infectious nature occur without temperature. In this case, we can assume various non-specific inflammations, which have both external and internal location.

Red spots on the body and they hurt

It is difficult to say for sure without diagnostics, but presumably, this is damage to vital organs, in particular, the liver, stomach. Sometimes this is a consequence of dysbacteriosis, staphylococcal, streptococcal infection. develops after a course of antibiotic therapy.

Red raised spots on the body

Almost always, this is a sure sign of bacterial microflora development. It is important to see if it is filled with pus, mucus. This will indicate the degree of microflora contamination, its severity, and will allow determining the direction of treatment.

Red spots on the body on the legs

Spots on the lower extremities most often appear if a person leads a sedentary lifestyle: spends a long time standing, mostly in a motionless position. This is often observed with congestion, edema, varicose veins, impaired venous and capillary circulation, venous outflow. It can often be found as an occupational disease in people who work in one position for a long time, have an increased load on their legs. These are general workers, workers in factories, working at machines, equipment.

It is also quite common in people who suffer from autoimmune processes, whose vessels are more fragile and prone to frequent bleeding. This can be one of the bright symptoms of lupus erythematosus, in which the walls of the vessels in the legs are attacked by the cells of the body's own immune system, which leads to their thinning, as a result of which small hemorrhages appear on the body. If they are not treated, they will gradually begin to grow and merge with each other.

A spot on the body with a red border itches

The rim is almost always an integral, pathognomonic sign of lichen. It occurs in various forms and manifestations, therefore, without accurate diagnostics and determination of the cause of the pathology, it is impossible to accurately determine the criteria of the pathology, make a final diagnosis, and even more so, select adequate treatment. In addition to lichen, erythematous erysipelas and autoimmune skin reactions, some parasitoses position themselves in a similar way. In general, such signs appear in various autoimmune diseases, allergies.

Red spots on the body with blisters

It is possible to assume the development of such an infectious disease as chickenpox. It has long been manifested by blisters filled with liquid. The difficulty is that they can cause complications. Also, the spots itch a lot, but you can’t scratch them, since the infection can be spread throughout the skin, which will cause it to spread to other areas. But you shouldn’t rely on the fact that you have this particular case. It is necessary to conduct diagnostics, since spots with the formation of vesicles and pustules can be accompanying signs of more than 80 infectious pathologies and 35 non-infectious diseases.

Red watery spots

Wateriness is the accumulation of purulent or mucous exudate that fills the pustules. Excessive water due to edema is also possible.

Red blood spots on the body

This usually indicates a severe infection or vascular damage. Blood spots may indicate a bruise or excessive fragility and permeability of the vessels.

Blue and red spots on the body

It may be a sign of a bruise or a chronic inflammatory process that is moving into the exudation stage. It may also indicate an infectious disease that can be differentiated based on a bacteriological study. Blue spots may appear after an insect bite, with vegetative disorders and connective tissue diseases.

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Red spots on the body like burns

Most often, such spots appear after skin contact with a chemical substance that causes intense irritation of the skin. Some medicinal herbs can also cause sharp reactions. This can occur with prolonged use of certain medications, as a side effect of the effects of ointments, creams, cosmetics. Less often, this indicates an infectious or inflammatory disease.

Red dense spots on the body

Red spots on the skin are most often a sign of many infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The location and nature of the rash can most often determine the type of pathology. But the exact pathogen can only be determined based on bacteriological and virological research.

Red dry spots

This is the main sign of a viral infectious process. Such spots occur with chickenpox, measles, and rubella. These diseases are very contagious, so it is necessary to isolate the patient from other people and provide him with the necessary treatment and complete rest. It is recommended to stay in bed, since such diseases are dangerous due to their complications. First of all, complications occur in the heart and kidneys.

Yellow and red spots on the body

May indicate increased sensitization of the body, which occurs against the background of exacerbation of chronic diseases of internal organs. Most often, jaundice occurs with diseases of the gallbladder, bile ducts, as well as with various liver diseases. In order to make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo a series of laboratory and instrumental studies.

Red spots inside white on the body

Occurs after an insect bite, or against the background of increased sensitization of the body. Often, such spots can be cured using antihistamines. Less often - with diseases of the digestive tract, in particular, the stomach and duodenum.

Red spot with crust on the body

This is a sign of rubella, an infectious disease with spots and flaky crusts. Most often, these crusts are located on the extensor surfaces of the limbs. They spread if the necessary measures are not taken in a timely manner and the infectious and inflammatory process is not localized. Less often, they initially appear on the body, and if you press on them, they quickly disappear.

Red spots on the body and diarrhea

This may be a sign of a bacterial infection, severe intoxication. It may develop if opportunistic microflora predominates in the body, or if dysbacteriosis with a predominance of pathogenic microorganisms has occurred.

Red spots on the body and swollen lips

A sign of hypothermia, decreased immunity, activation of the herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, or latent herpes virus infection. If a person does not know that he has a herpes virus infection, it is advisable to get tested, take a test to detect herpes viruses. Their danger is that they can persist in the blood for a long time in an inactive form, without causing any disease.

After some time, in the absence of treatment, inflammation of the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels may occur, and the temperature may also rise significantly and immunity may decrease.

Red spots on the body in the form of pimples

One of the main signs of acne, cupids. May occur with hormonal changes or dysfunctions, mainly in adolescence or during menopause. In order to eliminate acne, a comprehensive approach is needed. First, you need to undergo an examination, determine the cause of the pathology, and then, in accordance with the data obtained, undergo the necessary treatment. Often, the treatment is complex, aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease. Symptomatic treatment is also carried out, in which various external agents are used to eliminate spots and acne.

Red spots on the body merge

Merging occurs when there are several large spots on the body, or many small ones. If left untreated, the disease progresses, the inflammation spreads. This is most often observed in infectious and non-specific inflammatory processes.

Sore throat and red spots on the body

In order to determine the exact cause, laboratory diagnostics are required. Microscopy of a smear and bacteriological examination can provide comprehensive information regarding the cause of the development of the pathology. It can be assumed that the cause of the spots was tonsillitis or scarlet fever. In this case, the causative agent of the disease is probably a streptococcal infection.

Symmetrical red spots on the body

This may indicate the development of an allergic reaction, photodermatitis, or increased sensitivity of the skin to the effects of negative environmental factors, ultraviolet radiation. Similar symptoms can be detected when exposed to dry air through air conditioners, radiators, heaters.

Red spots on the body and black feces

This may be a sign of severe intoxication of the body, in which poisoning with endotoxins occurs, which are produced for various reasons. Most often, this occurs as a result of the development of food poisoning, with an intense inflammatory process that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Black feces can develop with hidden internal bleeding, with the development of an ulcer or ulcerative gastritis, at the initial stages of the development of malignant and benign tumors.

A similar phenomenon is observed with prolonged constipation, especially if it occurs against the background of dolichosigma - a disease in which the sigmoid colon thickens, intestinal motor activity decreases, and fecal masses are retained. Fecal intoxication may develop, and fecal stones may form.

Red spots on the body in the groin

Spots in the groin do not bode well. Usually, this indicates that a person has encountered a venereal disease. This is how a latent infection that has persisted in the body for quite a long time can manifest itself. Everything depends on the size and consistency. They are especially intense in the folds of the skin and genitals. The etiological factor of the pathology can be accurately determined based on the results of a bacteriological study and scraping. This will make it possible to determine the exact cause of the pathology and select a strategy and tactics for further treatment and maintenance of the body.

Red spots on the body under the arms

Usually, the presence of such spots can almost certainly indicate that a person has had a cold or infectious disease. They appear if the immune system is weakened. They often develop after antibiotic therapy. In this case, it is necessary to differentiate between different types of spots. Those that develop with dysbacteriosis are clearly visible. Those that are the result of inflammation of the lymph node are no less distinctive. Often, medications aimed at restoring microflora are required; they are smeared with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ointment on top.

Red spots on the sides of the body

Spots may appear on the lateral surfaces of the body if a person has had a viral or infectious disease. Often they are a consequence of a specific infection that has affected the human body, for example, chickenpox, scarlet fever, an allergic reaction, dysbacteriosis. In this case, the most dangerous thing is self-medication. It is imperative to visit a specialist who will indicate the exact cause of the pathological phenomenon.

Red spots on the body under the chest

Under the breast, spots may be the result of excessive sweating, especially in hot weather. Dry powder or drying lotion is required. If the cause is a banal allergy or inflammation, complex treatment is required. It begins with determining the exact cause and triggers by conducting a comprehensive diagnosis.

Red spots on the stomach

Indicates increased sensitivity of the skin, its sensitization and allergization of cells and tissues. May occur when exposed to allergens or any irritating factors, toxins of both endogenous and exogenous origin. Develops in pathologies of streptococcal nature, as well as in streptoderma of varying severity. Sometimes indicates erysipelas. In advanced pathologies, a phlycten filled with liquid may form. Often occur during or after a sore throat.

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