Rash with red spots
Synonyms
Rash, rash red dots
definition
In medicine, the term skin rash is understood as the sudden appearance of irritated and / or inflamed areas of the body. Rash with red spots can basically appear on any surface of the body and in many cases is accompanied by itching.
For more information, see the main Rash article.
Symptoms
A rash is accompanied by a general reddening of the skin surface, in the form of small ones red spots or nationwide can occur. In medical terminology, this phenomenon is called Rash designated. A rash with red spots can develop on almost any part of the body and in rare cases even on the Mucous membranes in mouth, nose and Intimate area overlap. In the majority of cases, the appearance of a rash is a sign of a pure skin disease, but often irritated and / or reddened areas of the skin are also a symptom allergic reaction or one Organ disease. In general, the development of the rash with red spots can be observed quite often in childhood, in adults the rash is in most cases more serious problems that require specific explanation.
Illustration rash with red spots
causes
For Red stain there can be a variety of causes. Often times they are a reaction to one allergenic substance (so-called allergen), which leads to a far-reaching immune reaction in the organism. In the case of an allergy-induced rash, the red spots can come with moderate to severe itching accompanied. An intolerance to various drugs can also lead to the development of a rash. One speaks of a so-called Medicinal exanthema, so one Medication rash. If a rash occurs after taking an unknown drug for the first time, it is advisable to seek out a doctor as soon as possible and to discuss the next steps with him. The drug responsible may need to be discontinued and treatment continued with another drug.
A Rash around the mouthaccompanied by red spots can also be a skin reaction to too much care.
In rare cases it can also Skin cancer cause a rash be.
Rash with and without itching
Rash in the form of red spots can be an indication of a Variety of diseasesnong be.
Although rash with red spots is far more common viral pathogens such skin manifestations can also be caused by bacteria or Parasites be induced.
Furthermore, rash with red spots often occurs as a sign of a Intolerance reaction on various substances.
If the rash with red spots occurs suddenly and shows itself with pronounced itching, then in most cases it is a symptom of a Infectious disease.
A rash with red spots and severe itching is one of the typical symptoms associated with infection Measles, rubella, or chicken pox.
The following topic may be of interest to you: Measles rash, rubella rash
In the case of chickenpox, the red spots can hardly be distinguished from normal mosquito bites, especially at the beginning of the disease.
As soon as the red spots and the pronounced itchiness over a whole body region spreads, the diagnosis "chickenpox“Are provided.
Virus induced rash with red spots and with itching is most common of other general symptoms accompanied.
The affected patients also often suffer from a high fever, chills, circulatory problems with dizziness, sore throats and headaches and body aches.
Also the second stage one syphilis-Infection is usually shown by the appearance of red spots that are distributed over the entire trunk and are very itchy.
Read about the risk of infection: Is my rash contagious?
In addition, the simultaneous appearance of rash with red spots and itching is in many cases associated with nausea and vomiting.
It can also be acute Intolerance reactions (Allergies) on food or medication on the surface of the skin, often with a rash with red spots and pronounced itching (so-called "hives") express.
A typical condition in which there is a rash in the form of red spots though without additional itching comes is Scarlet fever.
This disease is a specific one Streptococci caused infectious disease which can occur especially in childhood but also in adults.
Just a few days after the infection, the characteristic rash begins to spread with red spots. As a rule, the red spots that appear without itching are about the size of a pin. In most cases, the red spots begin to spread in the area Armpits and / or the Groin.
However, in severe cases of scarlet fever, the rash can spread over the entire trunk of the body without itching.
Typically the Oral cavity and especially the tongue is covered in small raised spots.
In this context, however, it should be noted that even in the case of scarlet fever infection, a rash with itching can occur. However, this itching usually only occurs when the disease heals and is not triggered by the red spots themselves but by the flaking of the affected skin regions.
Whether a rash itches or burns, is sometimes not clearly distinguishable. A burning rash can also be done by a allergy to be triggered. So can the mostly allergy-related Wheals as well as an itchiness burning sensation trigger. Burning skin is for you too sunburn typical, but the skin is usually reddened and there are no small red spots. Same goes for one combustion. Some people get in too Stressful situations red spots on the body, these usually occur in the Neck / décolleté region and can with the person concerned burning sensation trigger.
Blistered rash
If blisters and spots appear on the body, it could be chickenpox. This is accompanied by severe itching. The prerequisite for the presence of chickenpox is that you have never had chickenpox. After an infection, the body is immune to the pathogen.
Blisters are also characteristic of a herpes disease, it can be the typical cold sore, which is accompanied by reddish blisters. Or a reactivation of the virus, so that it comes to shingles, which is accompanied by severe pain. The virus can also lead to genital herpes.
Red spots, which are accompanied by small blisters, can also appear in the context of allergies or infectious diseases. The same applies to symptoms of cold skin such as frostbite or burns.
Read more about the topic here: Blistered rash
Rash with red spots on different parts of the body
In the following, rashes with red spots are discussed that are at different body regions occur locally.
Red spots on the back
Rash that manifests itself as red spots can basically occur on any part of the body.
In most cases the face is (especially the cheek region), the chest or the back are affected.
In some cases, the red spots start on the back and spread over the rest of the body from there.
One of the most common causes of rash with red spots that mainly affects the back is infection with the herpes zoster virus.
Colloquially this disease is called "Shingles“.
The reason that the red spots of the shingles rash are found on the back is that the symptoms tend to spread along the nerve pathways.
As the disease progresses, the red spots on the back often develop into small fluid-filled blisters.
The typical skin rash associated with herpes zoster infection is described by the affected patients less as itchy than as burning.
For general information on virus infections, see: Viral infection
Intolerance reactions / allergies to certain substances can also show up as a rash in the form of red spots on the back.
In the case of intolerance reactions, those areas of the skin that are in direct contact with the substance in question tend to develop red spots.
For example, if the allergy is not a food intolerance (which would rather affect the entire body), but if you are allergic to a cream, ointment or detergent, the red spots can also appear locally on the back.
Read more on the topic: Rash on the upper body
In addition, so-called "Virus rash“So rashes that occur in young children as part of a viral infection are often caused by a rash on the chest and back.
For this reason, if you have a noticeable rash (any shape) the general constitution should not be lost sight of.
In particular, high core body temperatures, diarrhea, vomiting or impaired breathing can be useful in the diagnosis.
A rash in the form of red spots on the back can also be an indication of a fungal infection.
In these cases, however, in addition to the red spots, significant flaking of the skin surface can be observed during the course. In addition, any skin disease that causes red spots can also manifest on the back.
In this context, a distinction should be made between whether the rash is limited, i.e. only on the back, or generalized (the whole body) is present.
Other reasons for the appearance of rash with red spots on the back include:
- chickenpox
- measles
- Intolerance / allergies
- so-called heat rash
Read more about our topic: Heat rash - Shingles
- Insect bites / lice bites
- Syphilis anthem
Read more on the topic: Red spots on the back
Red spots on the face
A rash on the face (Red stain) can be interpreted as a symptom of various diseases.
These diseases do not necessarily have to be purely skin symptoms.
In many cases, red spots on the face are also accompanied by severe itching and / or the formation of water- or pus-filled blisters.
To be an effective treatment for rash (Red stain) in the face, the exact diagnosis must be secured in advance.
Red spots on the face are generally one of the most common reasons for presenting a patient to a dermatologist's office.
In most cases, this type of rash will be (red spots on the face) to a defense reaction of the skin surface against various external influences.
Cosmetics, medicines, direct sunlight, cold and dry heating air in particular can lead to a rash in the form of red spots on the face.
In addition, different living conditions can have a decisive influence on the skin surface of sensitive people.
Especially in particularly stressful situations, some people react with red spots appearing on their faces.
The psyche of the respective patient can therefore have a decisive influence on the appearance of the skin surface.
Some patients do not respond to severe emotional circumstances with a simple rash, but develop acne-like appearances.
Other causes that can lead to red spots on the face are the regular consumption of alcohol and / or tobacco products, inadequate hydration or permanent fatigue.
In addition, skin diseases such as neurodermatitis or simple dermatitis can often manifest themselves in the face.
A large number of patients also have skin diseases on the face in which a siege of microorganisms leads to the formation of red spots.
A classic example of such a disease is rosacea, which occurs frequently in old age.
It is a disease caused by hair follicle mites, which among other things leads to a rash with red spots on the face.
The affected patients develop pustules and papules, especially around the nose.
Patients who suffer from so-called Pfeiffer's glandular fever can also develop a rash in the form of red spots on the face.
Another serious illness in which there is a rash in the form of red spots on the face is the so-called "Systemic lupus erythematosus“ (Synonym: wolf disease).
This disease is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects the blood vessels, the skin (especially on the face) and the kidneys manifested.
Typically, the visible skin appearances are reminiscent of a wolf bite. Hence the popular name "Wolf disease“.
Much more concise in relation to systemic lupus erythematosus, however, is the butterfly-shaped rash (Red stain) that run over the cheeks and nose of the affected patient.
Read more on the topic: Red spots on the face
Illustration rash on face
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 arms and legs
If a rash does not appear all over the body, only locally limited on an arm or a leg, the trigger is usually one external factor, as a Contact allergy. A disease that from within is triggered. Like an infectious disease, it usually spreads over a larger area. Another feature of an external factor as a trigger is that the red spots are then not present on both arms or legs, but rather only one-sided occur. One speaks of one locally limited feature.
Red spots that only appear on the arm or only on the leg can be quite harmless small pimples act that need no further treatment. In the case of the infectious disease Ringlet rubella The rash that occurs can spread on the inside of the arms and legs Spread out in a ring. Typically, the rash starts on the Cheeks and is from Cold symptoms accompanied.
Atopic dermatitis, for example, is a skin rash that has very itchy red spots and typically appears on the flexors of the arms and legs (back of the knees). The non-itchy psoriasis, on the other hand, usually occurs on the extensor sides of the extremities. In addition to the arms and legs, it often occurs on the sacrum and head.
Read more about the topic here: Red spots on the arms and Red spots on the legs
diagnosis
With this type of rash, it makes sense to find out the cause of the skin reaction as soon as possible; a visit to a doctor is usually unavoidable. The most important point in the diagnosis is a detailed doctor-patient discussion (anamnesis), in which the existing Pre-existing illness, current Drug receipts, Risk factors for various Infectious diseases and other points that can be the cause of red spots are asked for. A description that is as honest as possible (even when it comes to unpleasant facts) can already make a decisive contribution to finding the cause. The doctor will then examine the relevant parts of the body and take a close look at the rash with a magnifying glass. In some cases it may be necessary to carry out further tests.
The doctor can Trade-offs the affected skin areas, Tissue samples (Biopsy) or Blood samples send in for laboratory diagnostics. If an allergic rash is suspected, it is advisable to carry out one Allergy tests. It is precisely in these cases that the importance of a comprehensive anamnesis is clearly reflected, because an allergy test can only be carried out relatively specifically for a few possible allergens. In advance, it must be discussed with the attending physician what the affected person ate before the rash appeared, whether a new detergent was used or whether previously unknown drugs were used.
therapy
The basis of effective therapy for skin rashes with red spots is knowledge of the exact cause of the disease. In the case of an allergic rash, it is essential to avoid the allergen in the future and to prevent the immune reaction with suitable medication. For most forms of rash it can Anoint and Creams contribute to relief. If an infection or an organ disease is the cause of the rash, it must primarily target the Pathogen or the Underlying disease be treated.
But many herbal ingredients are also good for treating rashes by relieving itching and anti-inflammatory properties. By moisturizing and supplying important nutrients, they also help make the skin more resilient.
You can read more information on this topic here: What to do if you have a rash and Home remedies for a rash
Rash with red spots at different stages of life
The following are causes of Rashes with red spots at different stages of life discussed in more detail.
Rash with red spots in baby
At the infant red spots on the skin may be more common than adults Infectious disease act as ye immune system is not yet mature. Above all, the classic teething troubles in the foreground, which are often accompanied by a rash. What most of them have probably already come into contact with are those chickenpoxassociated with a rash all over the body. It is more like that atypicalthat chickenpox even with babies occur.
The rash begins behind the ears and then spreads further over the body, this is usually about rubella. This is usually accompanied by swollen lymph nodes and moderate fever. The number of rubella infections in Germany is low, however, because children, on the other hand, usually vaccinated are. Not because it is a dangerous disease for the children, but because of it pregnant women do not get infected with the virus.
Even with one Scarlet Fever Disease can it to one Full body rash come. In addition, the tongue very red (raspberry tongue) and the children suffer from difficulties swallowing and fever. From measles are usually children from six months affected. Only in the second phase of the disease does it come to one non-itchy rash. Are initially Flu-like symptoms typical. That too Three-day fever can even occur in babies. As the name of the disease suggests, children usually have fHe had a high fever for three days. After the three days of having a fever there may be a rash pale red spots that typically occurs on the torso and neck and sometimes spreads to the face.
Please also read our article on this Rash on the neck
Of course, red spots in babies don't always have to be one Infectious disease act. There are also coming quite harmless causes, as a Food intolerance or small pimples in question. Sometimes newborns develop a so-called after birth Newborn acnewhich disappears after a short time. It is believed that the children still have an excess maternal hormones what causes acne. If the red spots appear in the Diaper area on, it can be a Skin irritation act.
If you cannot reliably assign a triggering cause to the rash, such as a diaper rash, you should consult your pediatrician if in doubt. Especially if you also have a fever or other symptoms - in this case an infection is likely.
Read more about the topic here: Rash on baby
Childhood rash with red spots
Such rashes with red spots can often be observed in childhood. So-called maculopapular exanthema (lumpy skin rash) can be a symptom of an infection like measles or Scarlet fever be.
Other typical childhood diseases can also lead to a rash with red spots. At a chickenpox- Infections go Pustules with a strong itching and can lead to the formation of scars. Other diseases that are associated with rash are the rubella, the Hand, foot and mouth disease and the Three-day fever. Depending on the disease, the rash takes on an individual, characteristic appearance. The typical chickenpox rash has raised areas in addition to the red spots. With a rubella infection, the rash is much finer.
Rash with red spots in adults
In adults, the typical childhood diseases as the reason for the rash red spots are relative Rare, however, this cause cannot generally be ruled out. In many cases they are Sexually transmitted diseases one reason for a rash to appear, but much more common is one allergic reaction or one Organ disease causal.
Also read: Adult rubella
