Have you been noticing red spots on legs? There can be several reasons for that. These spots or bumps can happen suddenly and may resolve in a few days. Nonetheless, they can be frustrating, especially when they are itchy.
It is essential to get a checkup done by a dermatologist to determine what’s causing them. Though in mild cases, they can get better with home remedies and a little extra care.
Red spots or bumps on legs can sometimes be itchy and frustrating, even if they do not have extreme consequences. They can also make you feel more conscious about your body.
Table of Contents
What causes red spots on legs?
Following are the potential causes of red spots on legs:
1. Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin disease that causes dry and red patches that may appear scaly and feel itchy. Eczema can occur anywhere on your body, even your legs, and it may accompany red blisters on your leg that may contain pus.
Eczema flare-ups may occur from time to time in people with this condition. Triggers, such as stress, certain fabrics, and sweat, can lead to acne flare-ups. People with eczema may need to take extra care of their skin and get proper treatment to get adequate treatment for it. There is no definitive cure for eczema, but you can manage its symptoms with over-the-counter medicines and creams.
2.Heat rash
During the hot and humid months, sweat and dirt can accumulate in the pores and irritate your skin. It can result in rashes and itchy red bumps on your legs. Heat rashes are more common in areas with hot climates; hence you may experience red spots on your leg during the summer months in Pakistan.
Heat rashes can happen due to sweat build-up, hair follicles blocking glands, or wearing unbreathable clothing. Heat rashes can disappear in a day or stay for a few days. Please do not touch the rash as it may worsen it.
3.Folliculitis
Red spots or bumps on the legs can also occur due to folliculitis. Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become swollen due to an infection. Sweat can also irritate the follicles and cause inflammation, resulting in folliculitis. It presents itself as tiny, red bumps on the legs.
If not taken care of properly, they can develop pus and become boils. People with ingrown hair, eczema, and curly hair are more likely to experience folliculitis. In most cases, it clears up on its own, but you can take some measures to calm the irritating skin. Ingrown hairs can also cause a condition known as strawberry legs, in which red bumps appear on the legs.
4.Hives
Hives or urticaria is another condition that can cause small, red bumps on your skin. The usual causes of hives are food, medicine, or pollen allergy. They can also indicate an underlying disease, such as an autoimmune disorder, diabetes, thyroid, and many others. In such instances, it is better to consult your doctor regarding it.
Hives may often accompany other symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, inflammation, and breathing issues. Mild hives mostly go away on their own or by taking anti-allergy medication. Though if your symptoms are severe, you should visit your nearest hospital.
5.Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a condition that may cause rough patches with little red dots on your thighs that are mostly not itchy or painful. It is a harmless condition that may occur when the protein keratin clogs the opening of hair follicles. It is more likely to happen to people who suffer from eczema and dry skin.
It can go away by treating dry skin by applying moisturizer. Even though it is not a pressing issue, you should consult your doctor to seek treatment.
6. Insect bites
Small bumps that come and go can be a bug bite. They are mostly not a cause of concern, but you should be careful of mosquitos because dengue is on the rise in Pakistan. Other insect bites may not have grave consequences but can be severely itchy.
You may feel the urge to itch them, but itching insect bites can worsen them. Other bugs that have stingy bites are fire ants, bed bugs, and fleas. Over-the-counter medication can help you alleviate the symptoms of insect bites and make you feel at ease.
Treatment of red spots on legs
Red spots on legs can be treated through medication. You can also try home remedies to ease your symptoms.
Medication
Over-the-counter creams, such as tropical creams, can ease the irritation from the red bumps or spots. Your doctor may recommend medicine according to the reason behind the bumps on your legs.
You may also need a medicated moisturizer or soap to help with your condition. In severe cases, doctors may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the symptoms too.
Home remedies
As spots on the legs are not very concerning, many people try to resolve them at home. Simple measures can act as a remedy for red bumps on legs. Here are some home remedies that can help:
1. Wearing breathable fabrics
Unbreathable fabrics can often lead to increasing pore blockages due to sweat and can irritate the skin too. Loose and light fabrics give your skin space to breathe and prevent the blocking of pores.
2. Aloe vera gel
Fresh or commercially available aloe vera gel can work wonders for itchy and irritated skin. It soothes the skin by providing a cooling effect, and it also adds moisture to the skin and helps get rid of scars once the bumps disappear. Aloe vera has healing properties that can help lower inflammation quickly and effectively.
3. Calamine lotion
Calamine lotion is a readily available lotion that has medicinal properties. It can help relieve itchiness, stinginess, or burns.
It has a calming effect on your skin so that it can combat a heat rash and inflammation. It is also helpful in relieving discomfort and other symptoms of an insect bite. You can also use it to dry pimples from acne on your legs. However, you should stop using it if it makes your condition worse.
4. Vinegar
Vinegar can help eliminate itchiness on the skin. Whether you use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, both may help you with the spots. Apple cider vinegar also has healing properties that may allow wounds to heal faster.
5. Oatmeal
Oatmeal contains valuable compounds that help eradicate scratchy skin. It can also lighten skin blemishes that may occur due to the spots. It may also help eliminate acne, psoriasis, and eczema conditions. Oatmeal can help reduce the redness of the skin that may occur due to swelling.
The ideal way to use oatmeal to lessen the irritation from the spots is by drawing an oatmeal bath. Fill your tub with lukewarm water and add a cup of colloidal oatmeal to get relief. It can also promote faster healing.
6. Bug repellants
This preventative measure can make you stay away from bug bites that can be painful. With the rise of dengue cases in Pakistan, mosquito repellant has become a must. Apply a generous dose of it before heading out, especially during sunset. Bug repellants can also help you avoid discomfort from other bug bites.
7. Natural products
Commercial soaps mostly have high chemicals that can irritate your skin further. Opt for gentle products with natural agents to get smooth and blemish-free skin. Unscented soaps and moisturizers may be more advantageous for your skin.
8. Moisturizing often
If you have dry skin or patches in winter, moisturizing can hydrate your skin and improve your condition. Not hydrating the skin properly can lead to breakouts that may result in red bumps on your legs. Drinking water is also essential to keep your skin’s moisture intact.
Conclusion
Red spots anywhere on the skin can cause you to panic, but it is not a serious issue most of the time. They can occur because of an underlying skin condition like psoriasis or eczema and can also happen to environmental factors such as sweat, dirt, and insects.
These bumps are usually harmless, but sometimes they can be prickly and infuriating. They can also make you conscious about your body. Red spots on the legs can get better themselves or may need medication in some cases. These spots can also occur with rashes and other symptoms, which may require professional advice from a doctor.
You can tackle these spots at home with some easy home remedies. Taking care of your skin is crucial to removing the leg’s red spots, and keeping your skin hydrated and clean can help with recovery. Organic and unscented products can be more beneficial for your skin than regular ones.
It would be best if you focused on treating the cause when the spots occur because of an underlying condition. Your doctor may even suggest that medicated creams and lotions relieve your symptoms.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are intended to raise awareness about common health issues and should not be viewed as sound medical advice for your specific condition. You should always consult with a licensed medical practitioner prior to following any suggestions outlined in this article or adopting any treatment protocol based on the contents of this article.
FAQs
Why am I getting red spots on my legs? ›
The most common causes of what looks like a rash or red dots on the lower legs are either immune-mediated inflammation like eczema or psoriasis, or a skin infection like cellulitis. Other causes of red blotches on the lower legs can arise from an allergic reaction to certain foods or contact with poisonous plants.
What helps get rid of red spots on legs? ›- Shaving properly and carefully with a moisturizing shave lotion or cream.
- Using an epilator.
- Moisturizing your skin thoroughly and daily.
- Exfoliating your skin on a regular basis.
- Using an over-the-counter (OTC) product containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
- Cold compress. One of the fastest and easiest ways to stop the pain and itch of a rash is to apply cold. ...
- Oatmeal bath. ...
- Aloe vera (fresh) ...
- Coconut oil. ...
- Tea tree oil. ...
- Baking soda. ...
- Indigo naturalis. ...
- Apple cider vinegar.
Lemon juice is the fastest way to reduce redness and red spots. The citric acid present in lemon acts as an astringent and maintains the pH level of the skin. Plus, it has bleaching properties and high levels of antioxidants which help in reducing the redness.
What do leukemia red dots look like? ›“It looks like red-brown to purple firm bumps or nodules and represents the leukemia cells depositing in the skin,” Forrestel says. “Treatment for leukemia cutis is simply treating the specific type of leukemia. There's nothing separately we do to treat the lesions.”
Can stress cause red spots on legs? ›Stress can trigger an outbreak of hives that can make up a stress rash. Hives are raised, red-colored spots or welts. They vary in size and can occur anywhere on the body. Areas affected by hives can feel itchy.
What are diabetic red spots on legs? ›Diabetic dermopathy
This condition is also known as shin spots, and it's harmless. The spots look like red or brown round patches or lines in the skin and are common in people with diabetes. They appear on the front of your legs (your shins) and are often confused with age spots. The spots don't hurt, itch, or open up.
- Azelaic acid – this is a particularly good option for sensitive skin.
- Benzoyl peroxide.
- Topical retinoids.
- Topical antibiotics.
- Oral antibiotics.
Hydrocortisone cream (1%) is available without a prescription and may soothe many rashes. Stronger hydrocortisone or other steroid creams are available with a prescription. If you have eczema, apply moisturizers over your skin.
What cream makes red spots go away? ›- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser. ...
- Aveeno Calm + Restore Redness Foaming Cleanser. ...
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. ...
- Avene Redness-Relief Refreshing Cleansing Lotion. ...
- Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar. ...
- CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. ...
- Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream.
What vitamin helps red spots? ›
look for antiaging skin treatments with vitamin C for treating dryness, redness, wrinkles, and age spots.
When should I be worried about a red spot? ›Also, if you notice any of the symptoms associated with the red spots such as fever, swelling, or pus oozing from the rash, consult your doctor immediately. Red spots that appear on your skin are usually harmless, not permanent, and are primarily caused due to infections, allergic reactions, or medical conditions.
What can I put on red spots overnight? ›Use a hydrocortisone cream
"If it's red and juicy, dabbing a bit of over-the-counter hydrocortisone can take out about 80 percent of the red and make it flatter overnight — not gone the way an injection can, but pretty darn close," says Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist in New York City.
The “occlusive” property of Vaseline protects skin that is red and inflamed and may help it to heal.
What are the red spots on legs with early stage leukemia? ›Tiny spots called petechiae
One symptom that some people with leukemia might notice is tiny red spots on their skin. These pinpoints of blood are called petechiae. On fair and light skin tones, these may appear as red dots. On darker skin tones, they may be darker than the surrounding skin and less noticeable.
There are several possible causes for red dots on the skin, including heat rash, KP, contact dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. Red dots on the skin may also occur due to more serious conditions, such as a viral or bacterial infection.
What are small red dots on skin? ›Petechiae are tiny red, flat spots that appear on your skin. They're caused by bleeding. They sometimes appear in clusters and may look like a rash. If you have tiny red, purple, or brown spots on your skin, they could be petechiae.
Can heart problems cause red spots on legs? ›People who have very high levels of cholesterol or blood fats called triglycerides may develop eruptive xanthomatosis, a rash that can cover a large swath of skin. The waxy, pea-sized bumps can show up anywhere on your body but often appear on the legs, arms, shoulders and backside.
What do stress spots look like? ›They often look like red, pink, or flesh-colored, raised, puffy, splotches. Sometimes, they may look like bug bites, or raised red bumps. Can stress cause bad rashes? While most stress rashes will usually resolve on their own, some can be quite itchy and uncomfortable.
What does a stress rash look like on legs? ›Stress rashes often take the form of hives, also called wheals or welts. Hives can appear anywhere on the body. Areas affected by hives are generally raised, itchy, and swollen and are sometimes warm to the touch. These blotchy areas can be as small as a pencil tip or as large as a dinner plate.
Can too much sugar cause rash on legs? ›
People with diabetes have a higher risk of skin rashes like acanthosis nigricans. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is often to blame. A rash can also be a sign of prediabetes. Many diabetes rashes clear up after blood sugar is managed.
What does a diabetic leg rash look like? ›Dermopathy often looks like light brown, scaly patches. These patches may be oval or circular. Some people mistake them for age spots. This disorder most often occurs on the front of both legs.
What are the symptoms of sugar diabetes on legs? ›- Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes.
- Tingling or burning feeling.
- Sharp pains or cramps.
- Muscle weakness.
- Extreme sensitivity to touch — for some people, even a bedsheet's weight can be painful.
You may notice that the spots fade as you recover from an infection or stop taking a medication. They may also go away as you treat the underlying condition causing the spots. The time it takes for the petechiae to fade can vary based on the cause.
How long do red spots take to go away? ›If you have a red or brownish mark on your face that you got from a bad zit, it should eventually fade. However, it may take 12 months or longer. If you're upset about acne marks, talk to your doctor, who might have advice on what you can do.
Does Neosporin help red spots? ›This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (such as insect bites, poison oak/ivy, eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash, itching of the outer female genitals, anal itching). Hydrocortisone reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions.
What deficiency causes red spots? ›When the body is deficient in vitamin C, these small blood vessels become fragile and break easily, causing small, bright red spots to appear around the hair follicles. This is known as perifollicular hemorrhage and a well-documented sign of severe vitamin C deficiency ( 7 , 8 ).
Can vitamin D deficiency cause red spots? ›Skin rashes
You may experience red, dry and itchy skin due to vitamin D deficiency. Intake of vitamin D can help you treat such skin problems. It can also reduce skin rashes. Vitamin D is also beneficial for treating eczema which is also a skin condition.
What Happens If We're Deficient? A Vitamin B deficiency can wreak havoc on your skin, causing acne, rashes, dry and flaky skin, cracked lips, and wrinkles. It can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, personal care products, and other potential aggressors, and can accordingly lead to redness and irritation.
Can cancerous spots be red? ›Melanoma that looks like a sore
Melanoma often contains shades of brown, black, or tan, but some can be red or pink, such as the one shown here.
What causes red spots on skin of elderly? ›
If you have senile purpura, you may have bruises or spots on the skin due to age or sun exposure. This type of purpura happens when our blood vessels become weak. It's common in older adults.
Are red spots serious? ›Red spots on the skin can have many causes. Some are not serious and will get better on their own without treatment. Other underlying causes are serious and may need to be treated. Conditions like heat rash, cherry angiomas, lichen planus, and pityriasis rosea often do not need treatment.
What helps spots go away? ›- Do not wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. ...
- Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. ...
- Do not try to "clean out" blackheads or squeeze spots. ...
- Avoid make-up, skincare and suncare products that are oil-based (sometimes labelled “comedogenic”).
It is not a good idea to use toothpaste as a treatment for pimples and acne. Although toothpaste contains ingredients that keep the mouth clean and prevent dental disease, it does not follow that it will benefit the skin in the same way.
What does putting Vaseline on spots do? ›doesn't directly treat acne, its protective formula means it could help your skin recover faster from a breakout. After cleansing thoroughly (but not too aggressively), apply Vaseline® Jelly to form a protective barrier on the surface of your skin – this can help to prevent germs from re-infecting pores.
Which is better Vaseline or petroleum jelly? ›Petroleum jelly outperforms vaseline in terms of effectiveness. Vaseline is less effective than petroleum jelly at preventing moisture loss from the skin when used as a moisturizer. Additionally, because it contains more water, it can help moisturize the skin and lessen dryness.
Where should you not apply Vaseline? ›Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your face if you are acne-prone, as this may cause breakouts in some people. If you have questions about your skin or how to take care of it, see a board-certified dermatologist.
What rare disease is red spots on leg? ›Lichen amyloidosis is typically on your shins, thighs, feet, and forearms. It's itchy and looks like reddish-brown raised spots.
What causes red spots on the skin? ›- Images of skin conditions. It can be tough to determine what's causing red spots on your skin. ...
- Pityriasis rosea. ...
- Heat rash. ...
- Contact dermatitis. ...
- Shingles. ...
- Swimmer's itch. ...
- Ringworm. ...
- Atopic dermatitis.
Like systemic lupus, cutaneous lupus is caused by an autoimmune response, meaning the body attacks its own tissues and organs. In cutaneous lupus, the immune system targets skin cells, causing inflammation that leads to red, thick, and often scaly rashes and sores that may burn or itch.
What blood disorder causes red spots? ›
Aplastic anemia occurs when the body's bone marrow doesn't make enough new blood cells. The rashes resemble patches of pinpoint red or purple spots, known as petechiae. These red spots may be raised or flat on the skin. They can appear anywhere on the body but are more common on the neck, arms, and legs.
What rash starts on the legs? ›Most often, a rash affecting the lower legs is a type of dermatitis. The terms 'dermatitis' and 'eczema' are often used interchangeably. Acute dermatitis presents as red, swollen and blistered plaques.
Can anxiety cause spots on legs? ›Anxiety can cause physical reactions in the body, including a rash or hives. If the body is in a constant state of “fight, flight, or freeze” mode, it can cause an increase in certain chemicals, such as histamine. This can lead to the development of a rash or hives.
What does dermatitis look like on legs? ›Thickened, discolored (reddish) skin on the ankles or shins. Itching. Open sores, oozing and crusting. Swelling.
Should I worry about red spots? ›Red spots on the skin can have many causes. Some are not serious and will get better on their own without treatment. Other underlying causes are serious and may need to be treated. Conditions like heat rash, cherry angiomas, lichen planus, and pityriasis rosea often do not need treatment.
When should I be worried about red spots on my skin? ›Also, if you notice any of the symptoms associated with the red spots such as fever, swelling, or pus oozing from the rash, consult your doctor immediately. Red spots that appear on your skin are usually harmless, not permanent, and are primarily caused due to infections, allergic reactions, or medical conditions.
Are red spots cancerous? ›A skin rash can develop for many reasons, most of which are unrelated to cancer. Even so, a rash could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment, such as an allergy or infection. Therefore, any unusual skin changes should be promptly discussed with a physician.