Red spots on the body
General
In the specialist language of dermatologists, a red spot on the skin is called "Macula"Designated, several red spots as"Macules". Macules cannot be palpated above the skin level, which means that with your eyes closed you cannot determine where the boundaries of the red spot are when palpating the skin.
Red spots on the body can appear individually (singular) occur at a certain point or in several scattered over the whole skin or an area, which is then called disseminated (scattered, distributed) referred to as. If the individual red spots have connections to one another, flow into one another, the doctor describes this as confluent.
A large red spot is also known as a flat erythema (Reddening of the skin) designated. Red spots on the body can have various causes. In general, the causes are either infectious, allergic, physical (Heat, cold, UV radiation), chemically or due to the side effects of drugs.
The doctor can collect valuable information about the underlying cause by precisely inspecting the spots, their size, the distribution pattern, their delimitation and their temporal occurrence. Medical laypeople often refer to skin changes that are above the level of the skin and can be felt with closed eyes as red spots. A doctor would then refer to these as papules, pustules or plaque depending on their appearance, which makes it very clear how important it is for a doctor to examine the supposed red spots in detail.
diagnosis
Have red spots two main causes. For one thing is one Widening of the blood vesselswho the skin supply, on the other small bleeding from the blood vessels into the skin inside. Both of these causes point to completely different clinical pictures and can be easily accessed by the doctor Glass spatula test can be distinguished. The doctor presses the red spot with a transparent glass spatula. If the red spot disappears and the skin turns white, the vessels are dilated for reasons that are still unknown. If the red spot cannot be pushed away, one speaks of one Purpura, i.e. bleeding into the skin due to increased permeability of the vessels.
The distribution provides further clues as to the cause of the red spots: One Distribution over both halves of the body speaks for one Cause in the organism, a distribution only at a certain point rather for an external cause.
You can find out more about the risk of infection at: Is my rash contagious?
Red spots on the body with itching
Itching is a not yet fully understood non-specific response of the body to an internal or external influence that is felt subjectively. Itching is mediated by various chemical messenger substances that transmit the feeling of "itching" to the nervous system via free nerve endings in the skin. Diseases with red spots on the body and itching are for example chickenpox, scabies, skin diseases such as neurodermatitis or psoriasis (psoriasis), Hives, nodules, skin fungus, and shingles.
You might also be interested in the topic: Rash on the upper body
1) Chickenpox
The chickenpox are a disease that mainly in children under 10 years occurs and from Varicella zoster virus is triggered. The virus is caused by a Droplet or smear infection transfer.
After about two weeks of incubation the chickenpox disease starts with one general malaise, shortly afterwards the patient receives fever and one itchy rash. The rash mainly affects the Head area and the trunk of the body (Back, chest, stomach). Also the Mucous membranes in the mouth are affected, Hands and feet, on the other hand, are almost never affected by the rash.
The rash persists small red spots at the beginningthat quickly move into small nodules (Papules) and vesicles develop. The vesicles eventually dry up and form Crusts, the simply fall off after two to three weekswithout leaving a scar.
All stages of the disease occur during chickenpox infection Rash (Spots, nodules, vesicles, crusts) at the same time. The illness usually more severe in adults than in children. The most important therapeutic measure in children is one Prevent scratching the blistersas a scrape to infect the vesicles with bacteria can lead. Parents should trim their children's fingernails, the pediatrician can antipyretic drugs and medication for Apply to the skin to minimize itching or to treat a bacterial infection. A therapy with Acyclovirthat works directly against the varicella only with immunocompromised Necessary for children and adults. If the itching is severe, oral administration of Antihistamines possible.
Read more on this topic at: chickenpox
2) shingles
After a chickenpox infection, the viruses remain in the Ganglia of the peripheral nervous system. In old age or with immune deficiency they can Viruses are reactivated and inflammation along the affected nerve area (Dermatome) cause. This creates a very itchy, mostly on the body trunk Unilateral, belt-shaped rash With red spots, nodules, vesicles, and crusts. In addition to the Skin changes patients generally feel weak and have possibly a headache and light fever.
The shingles harbors the Risk of herpes zoster neuralgia, an extremely painful one Nerve inflammation even after the rash has healed. To prevent the development of zoster neuralgia, the pain already during the episode of the rash be treated well. The infection itself is caused by the administration of the antiviral drug Acyclovir fights. Shingles that manifest themselves in the head area are dangerous because of the inflammation from the optic nerve spread to the remaining components of the eye and the Permanently damage eyesight can.
Read more on this topic at: Shingles
3) The scabies
The scabies is one of mites (Sarcoptes scabiei hominis) -transmitted disease that manifests itself as small red spots on the skin and severe itching, especially at night. The red spots in an infection with itch mites are mainly found between the fingers (rash on the finger), in the crook of the elbow (see: rash on the elbow), in the armpit, in the hollow of the knee, in the anal fold and in the genital region.
Scabies mites are transmitted through close physical contact, for example during sexual intercourse or from the mother to her breast-fed child. Only in individual cases is the transfer also possible indirectly via shared laundry. The treatment is carried out with the active ingredient Permethrin in a cream, e.g. InfectoScab. The whole body must be smeared with it from the neck down after showering, then the active ingredient must act for 12 hours, which is why the treatment is best carried out in the evening. At the same time, all textiles (bedclothes, worn clothes) must be packed in a plastic bag for at least three days, because the mites die off after two to three days without a human host. In addition, all close contacts of the patient must also be treated to avoid a new infection. The treatment may have to be repeated after 14 days.
Read more on this topic at: scabies or What are the symptoms of scabies?
4) atopic dermatitis
The Neurodermatitis is often called Atopic dermatitis designated, "Atopy“Means a genetic predisposition to hypersensitive skin. Neurodermatitis is a chronic disease that chronically progressive (getting worse and worse) or chronically relapsing (in bursts) can occur.
Of the itching in neurodermatitis can be very pronounced, but also almost absent. The disease occurs often in infancy or childhood up and go through Eczema noticeable, which can look very different: Both are possible red, oozing skin changes as well as rather bright and dry areas. The Elbows (please refer: Rash on the elbow) and the back of the knees are places where atopic dermatitis occurs particularly frequently, the distribution is also referred to as Flexion-side stressed. Especially with adults there are other places like that back of Hand often affected.
Indications of the presence of atopic dermatitis can be a Intolerance to wool, a double lower eyelid fold, narrow side eyebrows and other special features be. The Treatment approaches in atopic dermatitis are diverse and for each patient individually different and should be performed under the supervision of an experienced doctor.
Psoriasis is also known under the name "psoriasis" known. Along with neurodermatitis, it is one of the most common chronic skin diseases and can occur at any age.
The skin changes in psoriasis are red and mostly found on the extensor sides of the extremities, for example on the kneecap. The occurrence can be limited to a single area on the body or spread over many different affected areas. The red spots in psoriasis are increased in substance and therefore clearly palpable, but it is possible that the skin changes are covered by white scales, which gave the disease the name psoriasis. In up to 30% of sufferers, the joints are also affected and inflamed by psoriasis, which is referred to as psoriatic arthritis.
6) hives
The hives is in technical jargon Urticaria called and describes a red, itchy rash with wheals. Hives is a hypersensitivity reaction of the body to various possible triggers. Medicines, food, allergies or a viral infection can trigger the hives. A so-called pseudo allergy, such as a sweat allergy, can also be the cause.
The wheals can appear a few minutes to hours after contact with the trigger. The hypersensitivity reaction of the body releases the messenger substance histamine, which causes the blood vessels in the skin to widen, which leads to small water retention, the wheals. It is typical of the wheals that they disappear in one place and then reappear in another place.
The hives are very uncomfortable for the patient due to the severe itching, but mostly harmless.A threatening complication is a swelling of the throat area, so that the patient does not get enough air. For this reason, those affected should always have an allergy emergency kit prepared by a doctor with them.
The hives can last for several days or weeks. If hives appear for the first time, the cause should be investigated. If a trigger is found, it is important to avoid it from now on. However, a trigger cannot always be found in hives. Until the cause is found and the symptoms subside, hives are treated with high doses of an antihistamine. These drugs inhibit the release of histamine, which reduces the formation of wheals and itching.
Read more on the topic: Wheals
7) Nodular lichen
The Nodular lichen is in the jargon Lichen planus called and denotes a Skin disease, the at any age can occur. In the case of nodular lichen form small reddish to brownish nodulesthat of a covered in white net are. The nodules can appear all over the body, but one is particularly common on the wrists, forearms and neck.
The nodules cause you very severe itching, the root cause the disease is not known. In most cases the disease heals within one to two years, treatment is still useful because of the severe impairment. There is one available for therapy external treatment with cortisone preparations or other immunosuppressive substances available, including one Irradiation with UV light is possible in addition to many other therapy options.
8) skin fungus
The infestation with Skin fungus is also known as Cutaneous mycosis or Tinea corporis designated. Are signs of a fungal skin infection rounded, reddened foci the whitish outside appear and yourself dandruff. The red spots on skin fungus can be very itchy Scratching should be avoided at all costsas it can spread the fungus further.
In most cases, skin fungi arise from minor injuries to previously damaged skin or at Parts of the body where it is damp and warm: Under the armpits, in the groin, in the genital region, under the breasts in women or between the folds of fat in babies. This is where skin fungi find optimal growth conditions.
Skin fungi can in most cases straightforward by applying a Antifungal agent be treated. Garments that are worn directly on the inflamed skin should be washed at 60 ° Celsius.
Read more on this topic at: Skin fungus
Illustration rash
a - Healthy skin
b - Subcorneal pus vesicle
(Pustule - under the cornea)
c - Intraepithelial pus vesicles
(Pustule - splits the epidermis)
d - epidermal nodules
(epidermal papule)
e - scleral nodules
(dermal papule)
Epidermis - epidermis
(1 and 2.)
- Horny layer -
Stratum corneum - Cornifying layer
(light layer + grain layer)
Stratum lucidum +
Stratum granulosum
Germ layer (prickly cell layer
+ Base layer) -
Stratum spinosum +
Stratum basale - Dermis -
Dermis (Papillary layer -
Stratum papillary
+ Network layer -
Stratum reticularre)
You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations
Red spots on the body without itching
Red spots on the body that are not itchy can be multiple causes to have. Only a few causes are presented here.
1) measles
The measles are one by that Measles virus triggered highly contagious infectious diseasethat actually belong to the Teething problems counts, but is also increasingly affecting young people and adults who have not been vaccinated.
The measles virus is through Droplet infection transferred and resolved after eight to ten days of incubation first symptoms (fever, sniff, to cough, Conjunctivitis, whitish spots on the oral mucosa). Three to seven days after it started of the first symptoms occurs typical rash on: He starts on the face and behind the ears and then spreads over the entire trunk off, he stays about a week consist. Contagious are the patients three to five days before the rash appears to four days after it appears of the rash.
In the course of the measles infection, a Weakness of the immune systemthat lasts for several weeks and promotes bacterial infections during this time. The measles has one dreaded late complication, which occurs several years after infection in around 20 out of 100,000 measles cases: The subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, one always fatal inflammation of the brain. The measles can treated symptomatically only become, a Vaccination is the best and safest protection.
2) syphilis
The syphilis is through the Treponema pallidum bacterium triggered that transmitted during sexual intercourse becomes.
The course of the disease can be in three stages which do not all have to occur. At the beginning there is one painless ulcer (ulcer) at the entrance gate of the pathogen and to one Swelling of the local lymph nodes.
in the Stage II the pathogen spreads all over the body and can cause you non-itchy rash with fever and swollen lymph nodes trigger all over the body. The red spots in a syphilis infection can take different forms and are therefore not always easy to distinguish from other diseases. However, it is typical for syphilis often also the soles of the hands and feet with red spots are affected.
About one third all syphilis infections that are not recognized or not treated ends after several years in stage III. The patients develop neurological failures, S.damage to the vessels and damage to soft tissue, so-called Gummata. If the syphilis is recognized, it can be confirmed by various laboratory tests and with penicillin be treated.
Read more on this topic at: syphilis
3) Henoch-Schönlein purpura
Henoch-Schönlein purpura mostly affects children of preschool age, but by definition only occurs up to the age of 21. The purpura Schönlein-Henoch (also IgA vasculitis is an inflammation of small blood vessels that occurs as an allergic reaction to a previous infection of the upper respiratory tract. The deposition of IgA immune complexes in the small vessels leads to inflammation that attacks the vessel walls and makes them more permeable.
This creates red, mostly palpable spots (Petechiae), which occur mainly on the shins and buttocks. The children have a fever and feel sick, and the joints may be painfully swollen. Abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, and blood in the urine are other, less common symptoms.
The chance of a cure through the administration of steroids is good, but in the long term the kidney function must be checked regularly in order to rule out consequential damage.
Read more on the topic: Purpura Schönlein Enoch
4) drug eruption
The Drug eruption denotes one Skin rash that occurred as a result of an allergy to a drug. The rash may or may not be itchy.
Usually an allergy occurs against a specific drug only with a repeated application, that is, not with the first dose. Practically any drug can trigger a drug allergy, but reactions to Antibiotics, Painkiller, Sulfonylureas and various other drugs like Allopurinol.
An allergic reaction to a drug can affect any organ, but the most common is a red, blotchy rash, which can appear all over the body or in only a few areas.
Most important Therapeutic measure is this Stopping the triggering drug. If there is a stronger allergic reaction, this is treated with medication depending on the severity.
Read more on this topic at: Drug eruption
5) rose lichen
The rose lichen (Ptyriasis rosea) is one non-contagious skin disease. The cause of this disease is still unknown. It shows an acute course and usually heals on its own after about 8 weeks. In most cases it is rose lichen not in need of treatment.
Typically, the rash mainly shows up on the upper body. If there are affected areas on the face or hands, another disease could be the cause.
More about this topic can be found: Rose lichen
Red spots in the child
A child with red spots on the body may also have the diseases listed under the points above, which cause a rash with red spots. Otherwise, if you have a child with red spots, you should contact the typical teething problems think. Measles and chickenpox have already been described above.
1) hand, foot and mouth disease
The Hand, foot and mouth disease is through Coxsackie Viruses triggered and caused high fever and a general feeling of illness. Are typical reddish blisters on the hands and feet and small ulcers on the lining of the mouth (s. also Rash on the hands). The disease subsides by itself after a week or two and only solves very rarely serious complications out. Mostly preschool and primary school children are affected.
2) three-day fever
The three-day fever is one common disease in children up to two years and is through the Human herpes virus 6 triggered. The kids have about high fever for three to five daysIf the fever drops then just show up for a short time red spots on the neck, back, stomach and chest. The high fever is treated in order to prevent the febrile seizure as the only complication.
Read more on this topic at: Three-day fever
3) rubella
The rubella are a very contagious viral disease, by Droplet infection is transmitted. The patients are contagious a week before the rash starts, the disease starts with a slight fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and inflammation of the lining of the nose and eyes. The bright red, small spots appear first on the face and then spread over the body and extremities. Patients are after the onset of the rash contagious for another week. In general, the rubella is for the patient harmless, one However, there is a risk for unvaccinated pregnant women and the unborn child.
Read more on this topic at: rubella
4) ringlet rubella
Rubella is a viral disease that mainly affects school children. Children are only contagious in the period before the rash appears. Children with rubella have flushed cheeks and are pale around the mouth. In addition, there are red spots on the trunk as well as on the arms and legs. The red, garland-shaped spots are itchy and lighter in the middle than on the outside.
Find out more here: These symptoms can be recognized by rubella
The rubella are only dangerous for pregnant women who have never suffered from rubella, because an initial infection during pregnancy can cause malformations in the child.
Read more about this under: Ringlet rubella
5) scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is through Group A streptococci triggered and caused a Inflammation of the tonsils and a typical rash. The Pinhead-sized red spots are rough to feel and kick first of all on the chest on (see also Rash on the chest) and then spread over the whole body. After a confirmed diagnosis by a Throat swab becomes scarlet fever by the gift of Antibiotics treated.
Read more on this topic at: Scarlet fever, scarlet fever rash
Red spots after bathing
Red spots after bathing or showering can be caused by a allergic reaction to the shampoo or shower gel used be caused. If you suspect that the red spots after bathing are related to it, the body care products used should be passed on to others, preferably with skin-neutral pH value, replace.
Less common are red spots caused by one after bathing Skin reaction to the change in temperature is triggered: A physical allergy that manifests itself as slightly itchy red spots that disappear after a while. Such Pseudo allergy is usually harmless.
Red spots after showering
Red spots, which are spread over the entire body and mainly appear after a shower, are relatively common. The triggering causes are usually harmless. The warm shower water usually ensures that the vessels in the area of the skin expand and thus more blood can flow into the skin. This increased blood flow leads to reddening of the skin in different areas.
Usually only certain areas of the body are affected (mostly areas that are directly irradiated with hot water). In some cases, however, the skin of the entire body may turn red.
But sometimes you can allergic causes stuck behind a reddening of the skin after showering. Most often in this case, the skin of the body will react to a specific shampoo or lotion. In addition to the reddening that then occurs, it is usually moderate to severe itch of the skin.
Often the reddening gets better after avoiding the warm water. If there is no improvement, e.g. be helped with a cool cloth.
Red spots on the body from stress
Stress is a causative factor in red skin. By distributing Stress hormones, like adrenaline or cortisone, there is a Widening of the blood vessels of the body. This should have the meaning that as much blood as possible can flow through the vessels to its destination. Since the body needs more energy and therefore more blood in stressful situations, it makes use of this widening of the blood vessels. The widening of the blood vessels ensures that more blood can flow into the skin, which then leads to reddening of the skin.
Areas that are mostly affected by stress-related reddening of the skin are primarily Face and neck. The skin changes suddenly or slowly. Most often it has a blotchy character in the appropriate place.
Once the stress is over, the level of stress hormones decreases, which causes the skin's capillaries to contract again. Now less blood flows into the skin again and the reddening of the skin is reduced.
This skin reaction does not occur in all people who are under stress. The reasons why some people have this reaction and some do not are unknown. It is believed that one reason is to be found in the fact that the skin capillaries are closer to the skin surface in one and deeper in the other.
Another difference is that a stress reaction leads to a stronger expulsion of stress hormones in one person and not in the other. Stress-afflicted people who have reddened skin under stress, feel stressed by this fact, which increases the stress level and thereby intensifies the reddening of the skin.
Reddening of the skin on the body after exercise
During and after exercise, there is usually increased reddening of the skin around the body. Of the Blood pressure rises during exercise and leads to an expansion of the blood vessels, etc. skin too. This leads to an increased influx of blood into the skin, which then leads to reddening of the skin.
Furthermore, it also comes through the Release of adrenaline and noradrenaline to a widening of the vessels and a reddening of the skin. Reddening of the skin caused by sport is always reduced as soon as sport has ended and the body has started the recovery phase.
Red spots all over the body from alcohol
Alcohol also occasionally leads to reddening of the skin, sometimes all over the body. The reason for this is, on the one hand, a widening of the blood vessels in the skin, which occurs through alcohol, and, on the other hand, a possible increase in blood pressure through alcohol. Both of these factors lead to an increase in blood flow into the skin, which leads to reddening of the skin on parts of the body.
The reddening of the skin usually subsides once the alcohol has been detoxified by the body.
Furthermore, the Intensity of the reddening of the skin also from the Depending on the amount of alcohol consumed. A high percentage is more likely to redden the skin than a low percentage.
Red spots from liver disease
The liver is a Metabolism and detoxification organ. It ensures that toxins that enter the body can be quickly rendered harmless and eliminated. To ensure this, many blood vessels are passed through the liver. Does it come e.g. from excessive alcohol consumption to one Cirrhosis of the liver, the blood in the liver can no longer be filtered as usual, which leads to a backlog. This backlog of blood causes a pathological expansion of the preceding blood vessels. These can lie deep in the body but also on the surface of the skin. If skin veins widen as a result of the backwater, there is a higher amount of blood that remains in the vessels. This leads to reddening of the skin.
Skin redness caused by liver disease usually occurs on typical skin areas on. Small veins that protrude and make the skin redden occur mainly in the area of the Face as well as in the area of Belly on.
As a rule, the reddening of the skin caused by liver disease is not decliningunless the cause of the liver disease is corrected. Often strong alcoholics or patients with a severe one hepatitis Backlog problems of the blood with the resulting reddening of the skin on the face and stomach.
Red spots on the body with fever
Practically all of them febrile viral diseases can as Concomitant symptom cause a rash with red spots. Classic diseases with fever and red spots are those Henoch-Schönlein purpura, chickenpox, measles, hand-foot-mouth disease, three-day fever and rubella. These are coming especially in children before, but can sometimes also occur in adults.
Red spots in pregnancy
All skin diseases that occur in non-pregnant women can occur during pregnancy. In addition, skin changes can occur in pregnant women that only occur during pregnancy.
The skin changes with red spots during pregnancy include a new hypersensitivity of the skin, which is caused by the changed hormone levels and the immune system during pregnancy. Cosmetics, creams or shower gels that were previously well tolerated can suddenly cause red spots.
A skin disease that only occurs during pregnancy is PUPP (Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy) with itchy wheal-like papules and plaques. The rash starts on the stomach and then spreads over the body. It is treated with low doses of a steroid, and the rash will heal on its own after delivery.
Read more about these topics: PUPP Syndrome and Scarlet Fever in Pregnancy
Other causes
Red spots on the body can have many other causes. If you are unsure where the red spots are coming from or if the patient feels sick, a A doctor should be consultedto track down the cause of the red spots.
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