Rashes in the form of spots

Spots on the skin are local formations with a change in color that do not protrude above the surface of the dermis, which are called maculae. They come in different sizes and shapes and are a symptom of many diseases. Spots are classified as a general category of skin rash, which is also called exanthema. Consider in what cases they appear and what to do with them.

Symptoms and causes of spots on the skin

A change in color in a separate area of ​​uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe skin may indicate hemorrhages, chronic diseases and infections, infections. Their appearance can also be due to external factors: allergies, burns, prickly heat, diaper rash. The color of the macula is determined by the level of melanin: in brown and black spots it is the most, in white formations there is no melanin, red spots appear on the body during inflammatory processes. Also, by the appearance of the exanthema, one can assume its nature and cause of origin.

White spots

Like all other types of rash, white macules on the body appear suddenly, and can cover large areas of the skin. Spots with a white or transparent tint indicate hormonal failure, infection or chronic pathologies. In appearance, there are formations that resemble a birthmark only light. Such an exanthema never protrudes above the surface of the skin, does not crust, does not itch. In this case, the cause may be vitiligo, a hereditary disease that does not pose a threat to life, but is not treated. Similar symptoms occur with leukoderma – a violation of pigment production. There are syphilitic and false leukoderma. The first is treated with drugs for internal and external use (only under the supervision of a doctor). False appears and disappears on its own, localized more often on the neck and chest.

A rash in the form of white spots with a rough surface appears with pityriasis versicolor. In this case, the exanthema first looks like white formations, and over time it can turn into the form of red macules. Rashes often flake and itch, appear on any part of the body. Requires treatment, as lichen is easily transmitted through contact. Also, colorless formations with a red rim indicate dry skin, a lack of vitamins and minerals. They appear more often on the shoulders, outer side of the hips, wrists, under the breasts.

red spots

Often, redness does not threaten the patient, they pass quickly and without a trace. This happens when in contact with nettles or poison ivy, light burns, allergies. The most harmless cause of spots is insect bites. They are easy to distinguish from all other types of exanthema, as they are single, itchy and protrude slightly above the surface of the skin. The cause of such spots is easily traced, special treatment in this case is not required.

In some cases, red spots on the arms, legs, torso may indicate a more serious problem. Most often, such an exanthema appears when:

1. infectious diseases. Scarlet fever, rubella, measles, chickenpox are characterized by a specific rash. As a rule, in such cases, spots appear simultaneously with fever and general malaise. The rash progresses rapidly, covering the face, neck, limbs, and trunk. Spots in such diseases are small in size, sometimes cover a large area of ​​the body. The rash may transform into blisters or pustules when scratched.
2. Allergies are the most common cause of a spotty rash. Appears on the palms and fingers upon contact with the allergen. Also, with an allergy to the material, spots can cover the entire body. Food allergies are often characterized by a rash on the neck, face, chest. Along with exanthema, accompanying symptoms of the disease may appear: sneezing, coughing, tearing, runny nose.
3. Eczema. Pinkish or red areas appear on the body, which are very itchy and sore. Over time, in place of the maculae, crusts and blisters from itching form. This disease must be diagnosed and treated.
4. Deprive. A characteristic feature of lichen is the rash itself: it occupies a separate area of ​​uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe skin, not spreading throughout the body. In this case, lichen, like other infections, can take place against the background of temperature and general malaise.
5. Hemangioma is a benign formation. May be pink, red or purple. It is localized on the face: near the wings of the nose, on the eyelids, near the ears, near the mouth. Such a disease is congenital, but manifests itself at different ages and is usually removed with a laser.
6. Psoriasis. A disease in which recurrent exanthema is formed, the spots are often covered with a light crust. The rash appears with stress, alcohol consumption, infections, etc. If left untreated, it can resolve on its own, but progresses in conditions of poor hygiene and a low standard of living.
7. Stress. In sensitive people, individual red maculae may appear in stressful situations, in moments of anger or fear. More often, this phenomenon occurs in people with disorders of the autonomic nervous system. They do not require special treatment, they pass in a period of calm.
8. Diaper rash. Also a safe phenomenon, which is more common in young children on the legs, genitals, buttocks, armpits. Bright scarlet spots are formed from high temperature and sweating, they do not require special treatment. To eliminate the symptoms of education, you need to treat with talc and observe hygiene.

Any of these diseases manifests itself in both adults and children. In pregnant women, rashes in the form of red spots may appear due to hormonal changes. If exanthema appears regularly, you need to contact a dermatologist to accurately determine its cause.

brown spots

A rash in the form of brown spots can be congenital or appear over time. In most cases, they are not dangerous and do not require treatment. Get rid of them mostly because of aesthetics, for example, when brown spots appear on the face. The main reasons for their appearance:

• hormonal failure or restructuring;
• genetics;
• pregnancy;
• very light skin;
• aging of the body;
• liver disease;
• melanoma;
• fungi;
• disrupted thyroid function.

As you can see, the reason can be completely harmless, or it can be dangerous. Brown spots on the face are called chloasma, more often they appear in pregnant women and disappear on their own after childbirth. The same symptom occurs in women who use hormonal contraceptives and in adolescents during puberty.

Pigment spots of lentigo are formed on the chest in women and men, back, shoulders, rarely – on the inside of the thighs. The first manifestations occur in children under 10 years old, occupy large parts of the body, but do not bring discomfort. Also, such symptoms are observed in the elderly – senile lentigo.

Macules of a brown tint may indicate infection with a fungus. If changes on the skin occur for no apparent reason, do not itch or hurt, are not covered with hairs, this may indicate a fungal infection. If the microorganism settles in the upper layers of the skin, only exanthema will appear, without other symptoms. If such formations itch, the fungus is in the deep layers of the dermis. The disease is treated with antifungal drugs and external agents. More often they suffer from people who take a shower with gel or soap 2 times a day.

Blue and purple spots

Macules with a purple, wine or blue tint appear when there are disorders in the circulatory system. A frequent occurrence is bruises after blows and bruises, they are formed from small hemorrhages and blood clotting in certain parts of the body. The same shade occurs in birthmarks, which are extremely dangerous to remove on their own. Bluish spots with even edges on the face, chest, arms and legs appear with:

• thrombocytopenic purpura;
• meningococcemia;
• capillarotoxicosis;
• toxic shock syndrome;
• Kaposi’s sarcoma;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• leukemia;
• beriberi.

Any of these conditions need to be treated, so if single maculae of a wine or purple hue appear, you need to visit a dermatologist. If a rash with a dark blue color appears suddenly, grows and occupies large areas of the skin, urgently seek emergency help. Such symptoms are manifested in toxic shock syndrome, which is very dangerous for the life of the patient.

Parents of small children should also not ignore small and large spots with a bluish tint in the child. If macules appear regularly, do not go away, their nature cannot be traced – it is better to consult a pediatric dermatologist or pediatrician.

Treatment and diagnosis

Of all the types of spotted rash, only a small part can be cured on its own. This category includes prickly heat, ivy or nettle burns, ordinary bruises, red spots that appear during stress. In diseases such as allergies and psoriasis, a similar symptom often manifests itself, in the first case it disappears after taking antihistamines, complex treatment is needed for psoriasis. Body masses during pregnancy and puberty usually go away with time and do not require treatment. These categories of people need a doctor’s consultation to rule out more severe causes.

You should not delay going to the doctor when maculae of various colors and shapes appear for no apparent reason. Such changes on the skin signal a problem inside, so it is better to establish the nature of the rash. An attempt to independently establish the disease from the photo will not give results, since dozens of different diseases cause the same exanthema. At the appointment, the doctor will examine the affected areas, ask when the spots appeared and whether this has happened before.

Tests and examination include blood donation, sometimes CT or MRI, biopsy. For treatment, external agents, vitamins, and narrowly targeted drugs are used. A patient with such symptoms is very rarely hospitalized; basically, the doctor draws up a therapy plan that the patient undergoes at home. Treatment may also include wellness and therapeutic procedures.

The appearance of spots on the skin in an adult or a child indicates diseases, less often – these are mechanical injuries or burns. If the exanthema appears on the limbs, back, face or chest, you need to contact a dermatologist. For any formations on the genitals in women and men, a consultation with a venereologist, dermatovenereologist, urologist or gynecologist is needed. Children with the described symptoms should be shown to the pediatrician. If you notice spots of unknown nature on the body or mucous membrane, consult a doctor, especially if they do not disappear within 3-4 days. So you save time and money that will be spent on self-treatment.