Don’t Overlook These Small Red Spots on Your Arm – What They Could Mean

2. Petechiae (Worth Noticing)

What they are: Tiny red, purple, or brown spots caused by broken capillaries under the skin

  • Appearance: Flat, pinprick-sized, don’t blanch (turn white) when pressed
  • Causes:
  • Straining (coughing, vomiting)
  • Injury or pressure
  • Certain medications (like blood thinners)
  • Infections (rarely, like strep or viral illnesses)
  • Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)

When to be concerned: If they spread, don’t fade, or appear with fever, fatigue, or bruising

3. Heat Rash or Friction

Small red bumps from sweat trapped in pores

  • Common in hot, humid weather
  • Often itchy or irritated
  • Goes away on its own

Common on arms and underarms.

4. Allergic Reaction or Irritation

From soaps, lotions, fabrics, or insect bites

  • May be itchy or raised
  • Usually resolves once the irritant is removed

Often appears in clusters or patches.

Continue Reading This Article

Leave a Comment