Our skin is prone to rashes, blemishes, and bumps of all kinds. Most of the time, these red spots on the skin are harmless and go away on their own. However, it’s always useful to understand the common causes of these outbreaks so that we handle them properly when they appear.
In this post, we look carefully at some of the most common causes of non-itchy red spots on the skin. A non-itchy spot may look much different from what we consider a “normal” rash or outbreak, and it can often occur for the same reason as an itchy one.
Get acquainted with the potential triggers of non-itchy red spots below and make sure you check your skin regularly.
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Potential causes of non-itchy red spots on the skin
Birthmarks: Birthmarks are colored spots on our skin that are present at birth or appear shortly after it. Sometimes these blemishes are red. In this case, they are usually a vascular birthmark. Abnormal blood vessels in the skin cause these types of birthmarks.
Acne: Acne is a widespread skin condition that ranges from mild to severe. It usually appears as skin bumps that often become red or swollen.
Angiomas: Angiomas are skin growths that can occur anywhere on the body. They are caused by blood vessels that have clumped together and appear as red domed bumps, also known as papules, on or beneath the skin.
Keratosis pilaris: Keratosis pilaris is a harmless skin condition that occurs from the overproduction of the protein keratin. It causes small, hard bumps around hair follicles, especially on the thighs, buttocks and upper arms.
Boils: A boil is a skin infection of the hair follicle or oil gland. It is usually a firm red bump, often filled with pus. Boils usually go away after they burst open and the pus or liquid has drained.
Allergic reaction: One of the most common reasons for red skin spots is rashes that occur from allergic reactions. The reaction could be to food, pollen or other allergens in the air, cosmetics, skincare products, laundry detergent, or a whole host of other irritants. A doctor can perform a patch test to reveal which allergens trigger a reaction on your skin.
Heat rash: Heat rash is a result of sweat trapped in clogged pores and appears as red bumps that may or may not feel tingly or itchy. This type of rash is a common condition in hot, humid weather and usually goes away once the skin temperature has cooled.
Pityriasis Rosea: Pityriasis rosea is a rash caused by a virus and usually lasts between six and twelve weeks. It consists of a larger, “mother” patch, accompanied by smaller patches around it. This rash is typically pink or red and may be raised and scaly.
Intertrigo: Intertrigo is a rash that occurs in the folds of the skin. It usually shows up in the armpits, beneath the breasts, on the torso or the genitals. It is commonly found in overweight or obese people, and it occurs as a result of friction, increased heat and moisture, and other irritation of the skin.
Dermatofibroma: Dermatofibroma is a nodule that usually develops on the lower legs in women, although it can also occur in men and anywhere on the body. These growths are red or brown and non-cancerous and usually appear in multiples.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Irritant contact dermatitis is another term for a rash caused by irritation from a substance. Unlike a rash from an allergic reaction, it is not caused by an immune-related irritant. Instead, it is usually caused by repeated exposure to mild irritants like soaps, detergents or an acid or alkali.
Petechiae/blood spots: Petechiae, or blood spots, are round, red spots that occur as a result of tiny blood vessels called capillaries bursting under the skin. They are flat to the touch and can sometimes look like a rash. They are caused by a variety of reasons, such as injuries, straining, and sunburns.
Hives: Hives are a rash of red bumps that occur suddenly on the skin, usually as a result of an allergen. They typically last for a few hours or days before subsiding.
Rosacea: Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes tiny red pimples and redness of the skin. It typically occurs only on the face, where small blood vessels appear on the surface of the skin.
Bug bites: Bug bites usually appear as round bumps that may or may not be itchy and can become swollen. Mosquitos are common culprits, but if you wake up with small red bumps, it could be a sign of bed bugs.
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Although less common, other serious conditions can also appear as red rashes, spots, patches or bumps on the skin, including:
· Rubella
· Impetigo
· Bleeding disorders
· Lupus
· Kawasaki’s Disease
· Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
· Chickenpox
· Genital herpes
· Genital warts
· MRSA (staph) infection
· Scabies
· Scarlet fever
· Syphilis
· Lyme disease
White spots on the skin from sun exposure: are they dangerous?
Skin cancer
Skin cancer, from melanoma to basal cell carcinoma, may also appear in the form of red spots, scaly plaques or moles on the skin. Make sure to consult a doctor if you are unsure about any bump or spot on your body that:
· won’t go away over time
· is changing or getting worse
· appears suddenly, without any obvious reasons
· looks suspicious and makes you feel concerned.
Read More: Early melanoma symptoms and how to spot them