If you spot these red dots on your skin, you'd better know what they mean.

If you’re anything like me, you probably keep a close eye on your body—regularly checking for any strange lumps, bumps, bruises, or anything else that seems out of the ordinary.

Call it cautious or even a little paranoid, but I prefer to stay informed about what’s happening with my body. That way, if something unusual pops up, I’m ready to reach out to a doctor for advice.

So you can imagine my reaction when I noticed a small cluster of red dots on my shoulder one morning. Like many of us do nowadays, I went straight to the internet in search of answers.

Turns out, red dots on the skin are actually fairly common—and there are a variety of reasons why they might appear. I figured it could be useful to break them down for anyone who’s ever spotted something similar.

Common Causes of Red Dots on the Skin

Petechiae and Purpura
These tiny red or purple spots often result from broken blood vessels or capillaries. They can be triggered by things like stress, intense coughing, or certain medications. While usually harmless, they can sometimes point to underlying health conditions such as platelet disorders.

Cherry Angiomas
These are small, bright red bumps that come from an overgrowth of blood vessels. They’re completely benign and tend to become more common with age.

Heat Rash
Often caused by hot or humid environments, heat rash happens when sweat gets trapped in the skin. This leads to clusters of itchy red spots—annoying, but not dangerous.

Allergic Reactions
Whether from food, medications, insect bites, or environmental irritants, allergies can cause red, itchy patches or hives to show up on the skin.

Folliculitis
This condition involves inflammation of the hair follicles, usually due to a bacterial or fungal infection. It shows up as red, sometimes pus-filled bumps that can be tender or sore.

Cellulitis
A deeper bacterial infection that results in red, swollen, and warm skin. This one usually requires a doctor’s care and is treated with antibiotics.

Impetigo
A highly contagious skin infection often seen in children, impetigo causes red sores that can burst and form a yellowish crust.

Vasculitis
This is inflammation of the blood vessels and can result in red spots on the skin. It’s sometimes linked to autoimmune conditions or infections.

Hemangiomas
These are benign growths or birthmarks caused by clusters of extra blood vessels. While usually harmless, they may need to be looked at by a doctor in some cases.