What Viruses Cause Small Red Spots?

Certain viruses can cause red spots on your skin, and you’ve probably heard of many of them. These include chickenpox, roseola, rubella, measles, and fifth disease. While they all produce red spots, there are other ways to tell the difference between these viruses.

• Chickenpox

We all know about chickenpox, but did you know the fluid-filled blisters start out as an itchy, red rash? This rash starts on the face, back, and chest, but can quickly spread to other areas of the body.

• Roseola

Roseola first starts as a high fever that often lasts up to a week. Once the fever has set in, a spotty pink rash, which is slightly raised, begins to cover the stomach or chest. This rash often fades within 24 hours.

• Rubella

Rubella, which is also known as German measles, starts as a rash on the face before spreading to other areas of the body. This rash only lasts about three days but may be accompanied by a fever.

• Measles

Measles, not to be confused with German measles, starts with a rash forming around the ears and mouth. The rash begins as red, flat spots, but can later turn into white spots that are raised on top of existing red spots. These start to form one large spot as the measles progress.

• Fifth Disease

Fifth disease, which is often referred to as slapped cheek disease, is first noticeable when a red rash appears on your cheek (hence the nickname). Once the rash on the face has disappeared, a light pink rash that looks like lace appears on the chest and arms.

• Ringworm

Ringworm is a highly contagious, fungal skin infection that appears as a red blotchy rash with a raised border around it. This fungus causes conditions like athlete’s foot and requires prescription or over-the-counter antifungal medication or topical cream for treatment.

What are Other Causes of Rashes?

Rashes consisting of small red spots on skin may form for many reasons that have nothing to do with skin conditions or viruses and infections. Because they are primarily a response to the skin being irritated, rashes can be caused by medications, or by irritants (such as weather or poison ivy). Rashes are often the cause for spots on toddlers. Some medications most known for causing rashes include antibiotics, NSAIDs, and antiseizure medication.

Irritants can be difficult to identify because they can affect people very differently, but dust mites, latex, and animal dander are often found to be the cause of allergic rashes. Certain cosmetics, plants, and nickel may also be to blame.

What are Petechiae, and How Are They Different from a Rash?

Petechiae are not a rash, and they are not caused by one sole condition. These red or purple spots are caused by broken capillaries and may be a sign of an underlying condition, like leukemia. However, other factors, such as medication side effects, infections, or vitamin deficiencies can cause petechiae, so it is not always a sign that something is seriously wrong.

Petechiae spots are typically flat and can be purple, red, or brown in color. These red spots on the skin are caused by broken blood vessels and are often found on the legs, mouth, stomach, butt, eyelids, legs, and arms.

How can you tell the difference between petechiae and a rash? Because a rash is on the surface of the skin, it will turn pale or lighter if pressed on, while petechiae (which is underneath the skin) will remain the same color. There are many reasons petechiae may appear, but because it may be the sign of a more serious underlying condition, you should seek medical attention if you spot signs of it, especially if it appears to be spreading quickly.

Can Stress Cause Tiny Red Spots or Rashes?

Yes, stress can cause tiny red spots or rashes. Hives can occur anywhere on your body and can range in size, from a small pen mark to the size of a dinner plate. Hives can last up to six weeks, but there are treatment options to relieve your symptoms. Stress can also be known to cause acne breakouts.

When Should I be Worried About a Red Spot on My Skin?

Although skin rashes are often more annoying than harmful, there are some that can be serious. Seek immediate medical attention if:

• The rash affects the eyes
• The rash is oozing or blistering
• Blue, red, or purple dots appear in the affected area
• The rash is accompanied by a fever, dizziness, shortness of breath, a stiff neck, or vomiting

How Do I Treat Red Spots on My Skin?

How you treat the red spots on your skin will be based on their cause, which we now know can be anything from a virus to an irritant. The first step to effectively treating red spots on the skin is to have your dermatologist conduct a skin exam. This will help identify the cause of the red spots so that an appropriate treatment plan can be implemented.

For many causes of red spots on skin, at-home treatments can help alleviate symptoms. The most common way to reduce the need to itch your skin (which can lead to tears and infection), is to avoid overheating. This means avoiding intense exercise and taking lukewarm showers until the rash has disappeared. It’s also important to protect the affected skin from sunlight and to use fragrance-free soaps and moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated.

Antihistamines are one of the most common medications prescribed to treat red spots. This can help alleviate itching and discomfort. Other medications, like corticosteroids and skin barrier creams, are used to control itching, reduce redness, and repair the skin’s barrier. Depending on the cause of your red spots, antibiotics, prednisone, or immunosuppressants may be prescribed.