Red spots on skin are tiny pinpoint red dots called petechiae. They could be caused by varied reasons. These spots could appear anywhere on the body. They may be caused by infections, allergy, and inflammation. 

The spots may also differ in color, ranging from pink to bright red to purple. Depending on the underlying cause, these red spots could develop over a long period or suddenly appear. They differ in size and may cover either a small or large area on your skin. They could either be painful or itchy and flat or raised.

Symptoms you have to look out for

Some symptoms also appear along with the red spots on your skin. Some people who have it also have a fever if the spots are caused by an infection. Here are signs that you may see on your skin along with red spots. 

• Blisters
• Discharge that crusts and dries
• Itching and skin irritation
• Pain and swelling
• Pustules
• Rash and scaling

Apart from these signs, others may also have symptoms in the body systems. These are the following: 

(Photo : Instagram/doctorsofnewera)
Red spots on skin are called petechiae. They could be caused by many different reasons.

See also: How to Remove Skin Tags? 11 Home Remedies

• Decrease in appetite
• Flu-like symptoms
• Irritability in younger children
• Joint pain
• Red eyes
• Runny nose and sneezing

These red spots could either be harmless or could be a sign of serious illness. Life-threatening conditions sometimes come with red spots that appear on your skin. You should immediately check with your doctor if you have any of the symptoms below. 

• Alertness or consciousness changes 
• Fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Blood vomiting, bloody urine or stool, and rectal bleeding
• Breathing or respiratory problems
• Rapid heart rate
• Severe headache 
• Stiffed neck
• Sudden tongue, lips, mouth, or face swelling

Possible complications

You may get complications from red spots depending on the cause. To reduce the risk of developing one, you should follow the treatment plan given to you. Here are the potential complications of red spots. 

• Bacterial pneumonia
• Cancer spreading to other body parts
• Coma
• Encephalitis
• Failure of body organs 
• Hemorrhage (internal bleeding)
• Miscarriage, birth defects, and newborn infections
• Respiratory arrest
• Rheumatic fever
• Seizure and sepsis 
• Shock

See also: How to Get Rid of Acne Scars: 5 Home Remedies to Get Clear Skin

Red spots could be caused by many varied reasons. Some could be caused by viruses and fungus while others are caused by insects and parasites. Some people who get them are caused by an allergy and others by an autoimmune response. 

Overexposure to heat or the sun or broken blood vessels could lead to showing spots on your skin. Some medications like blood thinners could cause it to show up as they decrease blood clotting. Severe vomiting or coughing could make one develop crimson spots. 

If you are concerned about seeing them on your skin, seek medical care to have your body checked.