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
🔍 When to see a doctor : If they bleed, change shape, or become painful , get them checked to rule out skin cancer.
3. Liver Disease – A Hidden Warning Sign
The liver plays a key role in blood clotting. When it’s not functioning properly, blood vessels become fragile .
One early sign? Spider angiomas — red spots with radiating lines that look like spider legs — and palmar erythema (red palms).
Other symptoms:
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen
- Fatigue and nausea
If you have liver risk factors (alcohol use, hepatitis, fatty liver), don’t ignore skin changes.
4. Vitamin Deficiencies
Deficiencies in vitamin C (scurvy) or vitamin K can weaken blood vessels and lead to easy bruising and petechiae .
- Vitamin C deficiency – Rare today, but possible in poor diets
- Vitamin K deficiency – More common in people with digestive disorders or on blood thinners
5. Physical Strain or Trauma
Sometimes, red spots are caused by:
- Forceful coughing or vomiting
- Heavy lifting
- Tight clothing or pressure
These usually go away on their own and are not dangerous — but if they don’t fade, get checked.
6. Autoimmune or Inflammatory Conditions
Diseases like:
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)
…can cause rashes, petechiae, or purpura as part of their symptom profile.
When to See a Doctor
Don’t panic — but do act if you notice:
✅ Red spots that don’t fade when pressed
✅ Spots that spread rapidly
✅ Unexplained bruising alongside the spots
✅ Fever, fatigue, or joint pain
✅ A history of liver disease, blood disorders, or autoimmune illness
A simple blood test or dermatology visit can help determine the cause.
How Doctors Diagnose the Cause
Your doctor may:
- Perform a physical exam of the spots
- Order a complete blood count (CBC) to check platelets
- Test liver function or vitamin levels
- Examine for signs of infection or autoimmune disease
In most cases, the cause is treatable — but early detection is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are small red spots on the arm dangerous?
Some are harmless (like cherry angiomas), but others — like petechiae — can signal serious conditions and should be evaluated.
❓ Can stress cause red spots on the skin?
Stress doesn’t directly cause them, but it can weaken the immune system or trigger autoimmune flares that lead to skin changes.
❓ Do red spots go away on their own?
Benign spots like cherry angiomas stay but don’t spread. Petechiae may fade if the cause is temporary — but if they persist, see a doctor.
❓ Can high blood pressure cause red spots?
Not directly, but severe hypertension can damage blood vessels and contribute to petechiae or purpura .
Final Thoughts
That small red spot on your arm might seem like nothing — but your skin is often the first place your body shows signs of internal imbalance .
Don’t brush it off. Don’t assume it’s just aging or dry skin.
Take a closer look. Take a photo. Track changes.
Because sometimes, the smallest red flag is the one that leads to the biggest health discovery