Our skin is prone to all kinds of rashes, blemishes, and bumps. Most of the times these outbreaks can be harmless and can clear up on their own.
The appearance of red dots on the legs can be very frustrating and bothersome. It can also be sometimes uncomfortable especially when the dots are itchy.
Although the red dots on legs are bothersome still most of the people don’t give a major concern to them.
In most cases of red dots on legs are not serious, but still, it is important to consult a dermatologist before treating the red dots.
Table of Contents
What Are Red Dots On Skin?
Red dots on legs is a skin condition that is experienced by almost all people at any point in their lives, it can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, and racial belonging.
However, the characteristics and symptoms of the red dots vary from one person to another.
For instance, one patient may have flat red dots that are not itchy while another patient may have raised dots that are itchy.
In most of the cases of the red dots on legs, they are not serious or life-threatening. However, it can have serious complications if the red dots on the legs are itchy.
Itchy red dots on legs can make the person to feel the urge to scratch to relieve the itchiness. Scratching the itchy dots can lead to more infected complications. Characteristics, symptoms, and severity depend on the cause of the onset of red dots on legs.
When the infection becomes vulnerable then it can lead to a serious threat to the health of the patient. The red spots on the legs may hurt or bleed, they can also spread to other areas of the body. It is very important to understand the nature of the spots in means of size, shape, and color.
Let’s see in detail about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of red spots on legs.
Symptoms Of Red Dots On Legs
The appearance of red dots on the legs can itself be a symptom indicating an underlying medical condition. The symptoms of red dots on legs mainly depend on the type or nature of the red dots that appeared.
Usually, there are red dots on legs which do not cause any symptoms except that it can be bothersome and cosmetically disturbing. Sometimes, there are red dots on legs that can be very itchy accompanied with pain and irritation.
The symptoms of the red dots on legs depend on the cause behind or depend on the disease associated with it.
Based on different characteristics, red dots on legs can appear as any of the followings
- Bumpy or raised
- Flat dots
- Filled with fluid
- Crusted edges
- Small in size like pinpoint or can be very large
- In terms of quantity, red dots can be very few or numerous
- Irregular or well-defined edges
Sometimes, the symptoms of red dots can depend on the underlying cause like-
- Onset of low or high-grade fever
- Intense itching
- You may or may not experience pain
- It can be symptom of occurrence of a flu
- Red dots can spread to any part of the body
- Lack of appetite
- Nosebleeds
- Heavy bleeding during menstrual periods
- Joint haemorrhage
- Bleeding from the gums
- A mild or a severe headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Other symptoms can also be seen apart from these. So, it is advised to consult a doctor or dermatologist for curing it.
Causes Of Red Dots On Legs
There can be many causes of red dots on legs from mild to severe. In some cases, it can be resolved from a certain period of time while in some cases it may be chronic and may remain on the skin for a long period of time or sometimes a lifetime.
The possible causes of red dots on legs may include the following
1. Birthmarks
Birthmarks are coloured spots which are present on the skin since the time of birth. Sometimes these spots can be red in colour and are usually called as ‘Vascular Birthmark’. These types of birthmarks are mainly caused by abnormal blood vessels in the body.
2. Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that can sometimes be mild or severe depending on the person. In this skin condition, red and swollen bumps can be seen on the skin
3. Insect Bites
Insect bites can sometimes appear as red spots not only on the legs but can also be seen in other parts of the body.
4. Certain Medications
Sometimes, certain medication can also cause red dots on the legs. Cytotoxic drugs that are used to treat arthritis can cause red dots to appear on legs due to bleeding under the skin.
5. Allergies
Allergies are the most common cause of red dots on legs and other parts of the body. The allergic reaction could be from certain food, pollen or other allergens in the surrounding air, cosmetics, medications, skin care, temperature, laundry detergent, soap, latex, etc.
6. Angiomas
Angiomas are known are skin growths that can occur anywhere on the body. They are caused when blood vessels clumped together and appear as red domed bumps on or beneath the skin.
7. Keratosis Pilaris
It is a harmless skin condition that occurs when there is an overproduction of a protein named keratin. Keratosis pilaris can cause red, small, hard bumps around hair follicles, specifically on upper arms, thighs, and buttocks.
8. Heat Rash
Heat rashes occur when sweat is trapped in clogged pores and appears as red bumps that may or may not be itchy. It is a common condition in hot and humid weather and usually heals when skin temperature is cooled.
9. Psoriasis
It is a skin condition which occurs when there is an overproduction of skin cells beyond normal production level. Plaque psoriasis can cause red dots surrounded by silver-white scales to appear on the skin.
10. Infections
The human body has natural tendency to develop infections. When the skin is particularly sensitive to anything, bacterial or other infections are likely to occur. In such case, red lesions are caused on the skin which takes a time to heal.
11. Schamberg’s Disease
In Schamberg’s disease, reddish brown spots are seen on legs, ankles, and feet. The causes of this disease are unknown; they specifically start from legs and then spread to other parts of the body. The spots are usually painless and arise when blood vessels leak. The colour of the dots is reddish brown because of iron content in blood.
12. Vasculitis
It is a medical condition which is caused by inflammation of blood vessels in certain of the body. It can cause red blotches to appear on the skin along with other symptoms like lack of appetite and weakness in legs.
Also, if it is not treated properly then it can lead to the damage of the tissues and organs surrounding the affected blood vessels.
13. Erythema Nodosum
It is a rare skin condition which affects the fatty layers of the skin which cause red spots mainly on the lower legs. In this condition, the red dots are accompanied by fever and body ache.
14. Bowen’s Disease
It is a serious cancerous condition which affects the epidermis. In this condition, an abnormal growth of skin is found on legs and other parts of the body.
The red patches are usually not itchy but there can be bleeding through the spots. It should be immediately treated because if left unattended then it can cause to cancer.
15. Dermatofibroma
It is a nodule that develops on the lower legs usually in women. However, it can also occur anywhere on the body and in men also. It is a noncancerous condition and the extra skin growths are red or brown in colour.
16. Hives
Hives are a skin rash or stress rash that occur suddenly on the skin. Red bumps are seen on the skin which can last up to few hours or few days.
17. Petechiae
Petechie is a skin condition which occurs when there is a bursting of tiny blood vessels under the skin. In this condition, flat, round, and red spots are developed on the skin.
18. Boils
It is a skin condition of the hair follicle or the oil gland. In this condition, firm red bumps filled with pus are developed on the skin. It usually goes after the pus liquid is drained from the spots.
19. Other Causes
There can be other possible reasons behind red spots on legs. The other causes can be an ingrown hair, a reaction to sulpha drugs or birth pills. The spots can be a result of various medical conditions like peripheral artery disease, diabetes, folliculitis or other skin cancer condition.
Treatment Of Red Dots On Legs
The treatment of red dots on legs depends on the cause behind it. In some cases, the problem of red dots is resolved while in some cases, the red dots remain or reoccur despite the treatment.
First, it is important to know the cause behind the red dots on legs. Once the underlying cause is known then it is easier to treat it. It is also important to consult a professional dermatologist for treating it.
The most common way of treatment of red dots on legs is by avoiding all the allergens or things which trigger allergies. Check your surrounding and cosmetics or toiletries you are using.
You can also use anti-histamine drugs like Benadryl to minimize the effect of allergies. It also decreases the extent of itchiness experienced. You can get the help of tropical creams in minimizing the severity of itchiness.
It the cause of this problem is a virus then treatments is not available. For example, if you are suffering from chicken pox then it will take its own time to heal.
While in the case of shingles, you can take anti-viral medications to decrease the symptoms and to kill the virus. But it is advised to seek medical help.
If you are suffering from eczema or psoriasis, then you must consult a doctor or dermatologist for the treatment. Eczema can heal itself if it is associated with environmental factors. However, psoriasis is difficult to treat because it can lead to plaques or crusty lesions on the outer skin.
If the symptoms are persistent or get worse, then it is recommended to visit a doctor or dermatologist for the treatment.
Natural Remedies For Of Red Dots On Legs
There are different home remedies which can help you in treating red dots on legs.
1. Cold Compress
Take few ice cubes and wrap them in a cotton cloth. Use this compress against the affected area. It will help to reduce the inflammation and itching. Repeat this process many times a day.
2. Moisturization
To ease the itchiness or dryness, you can use hydrating moisturiser. This will also help in softening the bumps.
3. Vitamin Support
Intake of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B9 will help to reduce the inflammation of the dots or bumps and Vitamin C also helps to reduce the effects of allergies.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix equal parts of organic apple cider vinegar and water. Apply this mixture to the affected area. Leave it for 25 minutes then wash it off with cold water.
5. Coconut Oil
Apply coconut oil to the affected area to regain the lost moisture of the skin.
6. Baking Soda
Mix baking soda with water to make a thick paste. Apply this paste against the red dots and leave it for few minutes. Wash it off it warm water.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Apply tea tree oil directly to the affected area. Tea tree oil is known to decrease the inflammation and itchiness.
8. Olive Oil
Apply natural olive oil to the red dots. This will help to restore the moisture of the skin. It also soothes dry skin rash.
9. Aloe Vera Gel
Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area. Leave it for 15-20 minutes then wash it off with cold water. It will help to moisturise the skin and also keeps your skin hydrated.
10. Epsom Salt
Mix one cup of Epsom salt in warm water bath. Soak your legs in it for 20 minutes. Pat your skin dry and apply a hydrating moisturiser or coconut oil.
11. Sunscreen
Sun rays can worsen the condition of red dots, so before going out in the sun apply sunscreen of at least 30 SPF.
However, it is always advised to consult a doctor before treating red dots on legs at home. It is important to know the cause behind it so that treatment can be done accordingly.
Additional Tips
Here are few tips to keep in mind when you are suffering from red dots on legs –
i) Do not scratch or itch the dots as it will create more complications.
ii) Always apply hydrating moisturizers gently on your skin.
iii) Take a warm bath instead of hot baths to prevent skin dryness.
iv) Apply coconut oil, walnut oil or avocado oil for a healthy and hydrating skin.
v) Gently scrub or exfoliate your skin.
vi) Eat a healthy diet with rich Vitamin C and Vitamin E content.
vii) Avoid eating spicy food and eat fruits more.
viii) Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
ix) Avoid wearing full-length clothes in order to prevent itchiness.
x) Opt for homoeopathy treatment for effective results.
Final Talk
Red dots on legs can sometimes are caused by bug bites or allergies and can be easily cured. But sometimes, it can be a sign of something very serious like skin cancer.
When you develop the symptoms of red dots on legs consult a professional doctor or dermatologist immediately and know the cause behind it. Because after the cause is known, treatment can be done suitably.
