Random Red Blotches On Skin

Darker Area Of Skin That Feels Like Velvet

A dark patch of velvety skin on the back of your neck, armpit, groin, or elsewhere could mean that you have too much insulin in your blood. This is often a sign of prediabetes.The medical name for this skin condition is acanthosis nigricans.

Acanthosis Nigricans

Often causing darker skin in the creases of the neck, AN may be the first sign that someone has diabetes.

Take action

• Get tested for diabetes

Early Skin Cancer Diagnosis

The most dangerous types of skin lesions are skin cancer moles. Normal moles are natural and do no harm. But they always pose a certain risk: if a mole changes in color, size or form it can be dangerous due to skin cancer risk.

Make sure to have a mole checked out if you dont trust it. A quick, easy and reliable way to do this for your entire family is through the SkinVision service. 1.8 million people globally trust SkinVision to help them monitor their skin from the comfort of their own home.

The service has already found over 49,000 skin cancers and helped save the lives of both adults and children.

Which Infectious Conditions Cause Red Spots

Common infections that can cause red spots include:

• Fungal infections: Ringworm is a fungal infection that looks like a ring of red spots that surrounds a clear area. Treatment involves anti-fungal ointments and medications.
• Shingles: They are medically known as herpes zoster. Shingles is a painful rash that can present with blisters that are formed on one side of the face or body. Since it is a viral rash, it is treated by anti-viral oral pills.
• Roseola infantum: Roseola infantum is a viral infection that occurs in babies and causes a high fever followed by a rash. There is no specific treatment for roseola infantum. Most cases of roseola infantum are mild and self-limited. Treatment involves rest, adequate fluid intake, and medications to control fever.
• Erythema infectiosum or Fifth disease: This is a viral infection that commonly occurs during childhood. Signs and symptoms include a red rash on the cheeks that resemble a slapped cheek, fever, sore throat, stomach upset, and headache. Generally, no treatment is necessary. An antihistamine can be used if the rash is itchy.
• Viral diseases, such as measles, rubella, chickenpox, and COVID-19: Each of these conditions is associated with its own signs and symptoms. It is advisable to contact a doctor for correct diagnosis and treatment.

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How Can You Tell If A Rash Is Serious

Here are some signs that your rash needs to be looked at by a medical professional:

1. If you have a fever or pain accompanying the rash.

You should get it checked out, Kroshinsky said. It could be a sign that you have an infection or are experiencing an allergic reaction.

2. If you have a sudden spreading of bruise-like lesions.

It might be a symptom of vasculitis and you need to get that looked at because your clotting cells might not be working right, Kroshinsky explained.

3. If your rash continues unabated.

You might have an infection, Kroshinsky said. Some rashes start out completely benign, but then a secondary infection develops because the integrity of the skin, which is a barrier against potential pathogens, has been disrupted, she explained. Signs of an infection include warmth and pain, yellow or green cloudy discharge and a bad odor.

Red Spots And 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:

· wont go away over time· is changing or getting worse· appears suddenly, without any obvious reasons· looks suspicious and makes you feel concerned.

Do a smart check now with SkinVision and get an instant risk indication.

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Reasons Your Face Is Red

Many things can turn our faces red, including sunburn, acne, and hot flashes. Here are 10 less obvious reasons for seeing a red face when you look in the mirror.

irritant contact dermatitisallergic contact dermatitisHow to get rid of the redness:

Psoriasis: A Disease Affecting The Growth Cycle Of Skin Cells

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause patches of thick, dry skin covered with silvery scales. Known as plaques, these itchy, raised patches can appear anywhere on the body. An estimated 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, which is thought to occur when a faulty immune system accelerates the growth cycle of skin cells. Up to a third of people with the condition also suffer from psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain and swelling. The exact cause of psoriasis is unclear, but genetics play a role. Treatments such as topical creams, light therapy, and medications can help manage psoriasis symptoms.

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Yellow Reddish Or Brown Patches On Your Skin

Necrobiosis Lipoidica

This skin condition often begins as small raised solid bumps that look like pimples. As it progresses, these bumps turn into patches of swollen and hard skin. The patches can be yellow, reddish, or brown.

You may also notice:

• The surrounding skin has a shiny porcelain-like appearance
• You can see blood vessels
• The skin is itchy and painful
• The skin disease goes through cycles where it is active, inactive, and then active again

necrobiosis lipodica.

Take action

• Get tested for diabetes, if you have not been diagnosed.
• Work with your doctor to better control your diabetes.
• See a dermatologist about your skin. Necorbiosis lipodica is harmless, but it can lead to complications.

How Is Skin Discoloration Treated

Treatment for discolored skin patches depends on the underlying cause. If a healthcare professional finds an underlying health condition, they will attempt to treat that particular condition first.

Any active infection must be treated with the appropriate class of drugs. For example, antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, while antifungal medications treat fungal infections.

If you choose to seek treatment for cosmetic reasons, a dermatologist may recommend over-the-counter or prescription topical treatments to reduce signs of skin discoloration. Professional treatments, such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion, may also be used to help reduce hyperpigmentation, but these arent usually covered by insurance.

Its important to ask your doctor before trying any topical treatments or home remedies that supposedly treat skin discoloration. You should always get a correct diagnosis first.

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When To See A Healthcare Provider

Determining whether the red spots on your skin will require a visit to your provider will depend on the appearance and severity of the rash, your medical history, and any underlying conditions you have.

In general, red flag symptoms along with red spots on your skin include:

• Fever
• Severe pain or swelling
• Pus oozing from the rash

If you have red spots on your skin and “red flag symptoms,” seek medical care right away.

How Are Petechiae Treated

Treatment for petechiae varies depending on the cause. For straining or a skin injury, you may not need any treatment. If there is a more serious cause, you may need:

• Antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection.
• Corticosteroids to reduce swelling in the blood vessels.
• Drugs that suppress the immune system.
• Vitamin C supplements.

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Impetigo: A Skin Rash Caused By Bacteria

Impetigo is a rash caused by a skin infection, usually traced to one of two bacteria, group A streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus. This skin rash appears as brown, crusty sores or blisters around the nose or mouth area. The rash is very itchy and very contagious. Scratching the rash and then touching other areas of the body, or other people, will cause it to spread. Treatment of impetigo is with antibiotic creams or lotions, and for more severe cases, with oral antibiotics.

Rashes From Bites And Stings

Bites and stings usually cause pain and slight swelling, but they can cause a severe skin reaction in some people, particularly if they are allergic to stings. Sometimes the reaction is localised to swelling at the site of the bite or sting. This may be many centimetres wide but gradually goes away over a few days.

In some people the reaction to the bite or sting affects their whole body and can cause itchy skin anywhere on the body, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, and upper airway, a fast heart rate and low blood pressure.

A severe allergic reaction affecting the whole body is called anaphylaxis and is a medical emergency.

Read more about bites and stings.

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Causes Of Localized Rash Or Redness

• Irritants. A rash in just one spot is usually caused by skin contact with an irritant.
• Plants. Many plants cause skin reactions. Sap from evergreens can cause a red area.
• Pollen. Playing in the grass can cause a pink rash on exposed skin.
• Pet Saliva. Some people get a rash where a dog or cat has licked them.
• Food. Some children get a rash if a food is rubbed on the skin. An example could be a fresh fruit. Some babies get hives around the mouth from drooling while eating a new food.
• Chemicals. Many of the products used in the home can be irritating to the skin.
• Insect Bite. Local redness and swelling is a reaction to the insect’s saliva. Can be very large without being an allergy. Kids often get mosquito bites without anyone noticing it.
• Bee Sting. Local redness and swelling is a reaction to the bee’s venom. Can be very large without being an allergy.
• Cellulitis. This is a bacterial infection of the skin. The main symptom is a red area that keeps spreading. Starts from a break in the skin . The red area is painful to the touch.
• Other Common Causes. Look at the “See Other Care Guide” section. 8 rashes that you may be able to recognize are listed there. If you suspect one of them, go there. If not, use this guide.

Hand Foot And Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious infection caused by several viruses, including the coxsackie virus. Anyone can get hand, foot, and mouth disease, although it most commonly occurs in babies and children.

This condition causes a rash on the hands and feet, as well as sores in the mouth and on the tongue. You may experience fever and a sore throat with this condition.

The hand and foot rash caused by this condition sometimes causes blistering to occur, and may be painful, but not itchy. In some instances, it may appear on the buttocks, as well.

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When To See A Healthcare Professional About Rashes

If you dont already have a physician, you can use the Healthline FindCare tool to find a professional near you.

Go to the hospital immediately if you experience a rash along with any of the following symptoms:

• increasing pain or discoloration in the rash area
• tightness or itchiness in the throat
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face or limbs
• fever of 100.4°F or higher
• confusion
• severe head or neck pain
• repeated vomiting or diarrhea

Your healthcare professional may also:

• take your temperature
• order tests, such as an allergy test or complete blood count
• perform a skin biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of skin tissue for analysis
• refer you to a specialist, such as a dermatologist, for further evaluation

Your healthcare professional may also prescribe medication or medicated lotion to relieve your rash. Most people can treat their rashes effectively with medical treatments and home care.

Follow these tips if you have a rash:

• Use home remedies to soothe mild contact rashes.
• Identify potential triggers for the rash and avoid them as much as possible.
• Carefully follow any treatments your doctor prescribes. Speak with a healthcare professional if your rash persists or gets worse despite treatment.

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When To Seek Help

Many babies develop a skin rash in their first days or weeks as their sensitive skin adapts to a new environment. Most rashes are harmless and go away on their own. But if your baby seems unwell, or if youre worried, you should see your doctor. They can advise about the cause and whether treatment is necessary.

Whatever their age, you should take your child to the doctor if they have a rash and persistent high temperature, cold or cough symptoms or swollen neck glands.

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This Type Of Rash Might Seem Harmless But It Can Indicate A Medical Emergency

Skin rashes can occur for lots of reasons and are common in infants, children, and adults.

Many rashes are irritated or itchy, so if you develop pinprick red dots on your skin that dont itch, you might be wondering whats going on.

Oftentimes, this type of rash is caused by tiny broken blood vessels beneath the skin that result in red dots known as petechiae.

Verywell / Theresa Chiechi

If a pinprick rash is indeed petechiae, it can indicate a serious underlying condition like meningitis. If you have pinprick red dots on your skin that dont itch and have emerged rapidly, you should see a healthcare provider immediately, even if you havent yet noticed any other symptoms.

Here is what you should know about petechiae and the causes of pinprick red dots that dont itch.

Contact Dermatitis: A Skin Rash Caused By Irritation Or Allergy

Contact dermatitis can be caused by any allergy-causing substance or irritating substance that touches your skin. Irritating substances are more common and include solvents, pesticides, and detergents. Allergic contact dermatitis is commonly seen with poison ivy, cosmetics, certain metals such as nickel, and medications that are applied to the skin. The skin rash of contact dermatitis can appear as red skin, skin bumps, blisters, scales, crusts, or sores. Itching is common. Treatment of contact dermatitis includes washing the skin and using anti-itch lotions and steroids.

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Are Petechiae A Rash

Petechiae may look like a rash, but theyre not. These pinpoint red dots on the skin are caused by broken capillaries, tiny blood vessels under the skin. They are not itchy or painful.

If you press on petechiae, theyll stay purple, red or brown. But if you press on a rash, it will turn pale or lighter.

What Is The Treatment For Random Bruising

In many cases, random bruising doesnt require any treatment at all and will heal on its own. If you are in pain because of the bruise, you can apply a cold compress to the area to slow down blood flow. If you are able to, you can also keep the bruise elevated above the heart to prevent further blood pooling.

Bruises that are caused by underlying health conditions are addressed by treating the specific condition or disease. Therefore, treatment options will vary widely if you are experiencing bruising because of a health condition.

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Rash And Skin Disorders

A rash is an area of swollen, irritated skin that manifests in different patterns and varying shades of red, purple or brown. Some rashes are caused by allergic reactions to the environment, food or medications, while others appear because of a skin disorder or underlying disease or infection. Some clear up on their own, but others are chronic and require treatment to control symptoms.

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Meningitis Can Cause Petechiae

Meningitis is the infection of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

One symptom of meningococcal meningitis is a headache accompanied by a petechial rash, known as the meningitis rash. Although the rash is common, it doesnt always occur, so if you have other symptoms of meningitislike a stiff neck and headachebe sure to seek medical care immediately.

The meningitis rash is a petechial rash. At first, you might notice petechiae on the arms or other areas of the body. These may be blanching if you try the clear glass test mentioned above, but as the rash becomes more pronounced it will become non-blanching. The meningitis rash can progress from petechial to a purpuric rash, which looks more like bruising than pinpricks.

Petechial rashes can be hard to spot on people with darker skin tones. Look for the rash on lighter areas like the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. It can also appear on the roof of the mouth or the inside of the eyelids.

Meningitis is a serious disease that progresses quickly. If you have a petechial rash, especially if it is paired with other meningitis symptoms like headache or stiff neck, seek immediate medical attention.

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