If you’ve noticed small red dots appearing on your arms, legs, torso, or face, you’re not alone.
These tiny spots — medically known as petechiae, cherry angiomas, or telangiectasias — are extremely common and usually harmless.
But because they can sometimes signal an underlying condition, it’s important to understand the possible causes — and when it’s time to see a doctor.
Let’s explore 11 reasons why you might have red dots on your skin — from the benign to the rare — so you can respond with awareness, not alarm.
🔍 What Are Red Dots on the Skin?
Red dots can vary in size, shape, and cause. They’re often:
Pinpoint-sized or slightly raised
Bright red, dark red, or purple
Non-itchy and painless (in most cases)
They’re usually caused by tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that have burst, dilated, or formed clusters.
âś… 11 Possible Causes of Red Dots on the Skin
1. Cherry Angiomas (Campbell de Morgan Spots)
What it is: Small, bright red bumps made of blood vessels
Who gets them: Most common in adults over 30 — increase with age
Where: Trunk, arms, shoulders
✅ Harmless — no treatment needed
2. Petechiae (Tiny Red or Purple Spots)
What it is: Pinpoint bleeding under the skin
