If you notice these red dots on your skin, this means

Call me paranoid or overly cautious, but I like to know what’s going on with my body, and I like to be ready to seek medical attention if I ever find anything suggestive of an unexplained change.

It turns out that red dots on the skin are not so uncommon. In fact, there are many causes, so I thought it would be helpful to list them here for anyone who might find themselves in a similar situation.

It is important to note that red dots on the skin can appear in a variety of sizes, shapes, and shades, and their meanings can be just as broad. Some are completely harmless; others may have potentially serious causes.

Read more on the next page

Petechia and purpura

They appear as small red dots on the skin and are the result of damage to blood vessels or capillaries. Causes may include stress, coughing, or certain medications. They are usually harmless, although they may indicate underlying conditions such as platelet disorders.

Cherry hemangioma

They appear as small, raised, bright red bumps and are caused by the overgrowth of blood vessels. Cherry hemangiomas are usually harmless and often become more common with age.

Hot flashes