Red dots on the skin can appear for many reasons—some harmless, others requiring medical attention. Common causes include allergic reactions, acne scars, insect bites, heat rash, and vascular birthmarks.
Conditions like cherry angiomas, which are small, raised red bumps caused by blood vessel overgrowth, are especially common with age.
Petechiae and purpura are tiny red spots caused by bleeding under the skin due to damaged blood vessels.
While often harmless, they can sometimes signal platelet issues or underlying health problems. Heat rash develops when sweat gets trapped under the skin, resulting in small, itchy red spots.