You’re going about your day when you notice them — tiny red dots on your arm. They don’t itch. They don’t hurt. They’re easy to ignore.
But what if I told you that these small red spots could be more than just a harmless skin quirk — and might actually be a warning sign from your body ?
While some red spots are completely benign, others can signal underlying health issues — from liver problems to blood disorders , vitamin deficiencies , or even autoimmune conditions .
Let’s explore the most common causes of small red spots on the skin — and when you should stop ignoring them .
What Are These Small Red Spots?
The tiny red spots you might see on your arms, legs, or torso are often called:
Petechiae – Pinpoint red, purple, or brown spots caused by broken capillaries
Cherry angiomas – Bright red, dome-shaped bumps caused by clustered blood vessels
Purpura – Larger purple or red patches from bleeding under the skin
While cherry angiomas are usually harmless and age-related, petechiae and purpura can be signs of something more serious — especially if they multiply quickly or appear without injury .
6 Possible Causes of Small Red Spots on the Skin
1. Petechiae – A Sign of Blood or Platelet Issues
Petechiae are tiny red or purple dots that don’t blanch (fade) when pressed. They occur when tiny blood vessels (capillaries) break under the skin.
Possible causes:
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia )
- Infections (like strep, sepsis, or viral infections )
- Autoimmune disorders (like lupus or ITP )
- Medications (anticoagulants, antibiotics, or chemotherapy)
When to worry : If petechiae appear suddenly, spread quickly, or are accompanied by fever, fatigue, or bruising , see a doctor immediately.
2. Cherry Angiomas – Usually Harmless, But Monitor Changes
These are small, bright red bumps that often appear after age 30. They’re made of clusters of blood vessels and are very common .
- Generally not dangerous
- Can increase with age
- May grow or multiply over time