Many causes of red dots on the skin are harmless and resolve on their own. Others may require at-home or over-the-counter (OTC) treatment.
In this article, we discuss some of the possible causes of red dots on the skin, their treatment options, and when to contact a doctor.
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When to seek emergency help
Skin rashes come in a variety of sizes, colors, and textures.
Not all rashes require emergency medical treatment. However, people should seek immediate medical attention if they have a rash and notice any of the following symptoms:
- a rash that covers the entire body
- fever
- blisters or open wounds
- difficulty breathing, speaking, or swallowing
- swelling of the face, eyes, or lips
- stiff neck
- light sensitivity
- seizures
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
People should also seek immediate attention for any new rashes that are painful and that affect the eyes, inside of the mouth, or genitalia.
When in doubt, a person should seek the opinion of a primary care provider or board-certified dermatologist.
Heat rash
Heat rash, or miliaria, occurs when the sweat glands become blocked, trapping sweat in the deep layers of the skin.
While anyone can have heat rash, this condition is most commonTrusted Source among infants and young children with immature sweat glands.
Symptoms of heat rash include:
- clusters of small red bumps called papules
- firm, flesh-colored bumps
- itchy or prickly sensation
- mild or absent sweating in the affected area
- inflammation and soreness
- dizziness
- nausea
Treatment
Heat rash usually goes away within 24 hours
Treatment typically involves using lotions to soothe the itching, irritation, and swelling.
People can also keep the skin cool and avoid tight-fitting clothing.
Learn more about the treatment options for heat rash here.
