If you notice these red spots on your skin, here's what they mean.

If you're like me, you'll regularly examine your body for bumps, lumps, bruises, and anything else that's not quite right.

Call me paranoid or overly cautious, but I like to know what's going on in my body and I like to be prepared to consult a doctor if I ever find something that suggests an unexplained change.

 

It turns out that red spots on the skin aren't that rare. In fact, there are a number of causes, so I thought it would be helpful to list them here for anyone who might find themselves in the same situation.

It's important to note that red spots on the skin can vary in size, shape, and color, and their meaning can be just as diverse. Some are completely harmless, while others may have potentially serious causes.

Petechiae and purpura:
These petechiae, which look like tiny red spots on the skin, are the result of damaged blood vessels or capillaries. They can be caused by stress, coughing, or certain medications. They are usually harmless, but can indicate underlying medical problems such as platelet disorders.

Cherry angiomas
appear as small, raised, bright red bumps and result from a proliferation of blood vessels. Cherry angiomas are generally completely harmless and are often more common with age.

Heat rash