What Causes the Non-itchy Red Dots on Your Skin?

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a red rash that can be caused by exposure to irritating substances. Possible causes include soap, cosmetics, fragrances, plants such as poison ivy, or even jewelry. This type of rash usually appears on parts of the body that have been exposed to the irritants. It develops soon after exposure and typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks. Symptoms include non-itchy red rashes (but sometimes they can be itchy), dry skin, blisters, and swelling. If the rash is uncomfortable, does not heal, or is on your face or genitals, you should see a doctor. 

Treatment usually involves avoiding the irritating substance and soothing the skin with self-care methods. For example, the skin should be washed right away with cool water. This step often gets rid of most of the problem. You can also apply hydrocortisone cream or cool compresses several times a day for blisters.

Epidermoid Cysts

Epidermoid cysts are red dots on skin, not itchy, which are small bumps often found on the face, neck, or trunk. These cysts typically grow slowly and usually do not cause other symptoms. However, some people may choose to have them removed if they are bothersome or unattractive. Some symptoms of epidermoid cysts include a small, round bump under the skin with a blackhead blocking the opening of the cyst; thick, foul-smelling material when drains and redness, swelling, or tenderness if inflamed or infected. 

You should see your doctor if the cyst is painful, or becomes infected. If the cyst should be removed, then your doctor will first prescribe antibiotics to reduce any swelling. Then local anesthesia will be used to numb the skin. At last, a cut will be made at the center of the cyst to squeeze out the contents of the cyst, or a pair of scissors will be used to remove the cyst.

Cherry Angiomas

Cherry angiomas are small bumps that look like moles, but they are actually collections of blood vessels that are close to the skin’s surface. They usually look red, raised, smooth and appear on the chest, back or arms. This type of red dots on the skin (not itchy) is very common among people of all ethnicities. They usually start appearing during the 30s and 40s, and may increase with age. It is important to know that these bumps are not cancerous, but may bleed if irritated. 

No special treatments are needed for these bumps, but if they annoy you or are bleeding, you can remove them by burning (electrosurgery/cautery), freezing (cryotherapy), laser or shave excision.

Keratosis Pilaris

This condition happens when the pores become clogged with keratin, which is a protein found in the skin, hair and nails. This condition is harmless, but if it bothers you, your doctor can prescribe medicated creams to treat it. These include topical exfoliants and topical retinoids. Laser therapy may be used in severer cases. People with dry skin or eczema may be more susceptible to keratoris pilaris. To lessen the possibilities of this condition and keep your skin comfortable, don’t scratch and always use moisturizing soaps or creams with warm (not hot) water to bathe. Also add moisture to your home with a humidifier.

Skin Cancer

If you have red dots on skin, not itchy yet not healing, it’s possible that they are caused by skin cancers. Three types of skin cancer that can cause red bumps include basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis and melanoma. Cell carcinoma is caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays; actinic keratosis appears as a scaly or crusty bump; and melanoma, which is the severest type of cancer, may start as a mole and be multi-colored, including red.

Complications of Certain Disease

There are other diseases that can cause red dots on skin as a complication. Please note whether you have any of these conditions:

Other Conditions

For your reference, other types of conditions that may cause red dots on skin (not itchy) include birthmarks, acne, dermatofibrosis, petechiae, pyogenic granuloma, lyme disease, heat rash, hives, measles, rosacea, folliculitis, diaper rash or insect bites. 

Note: Please remember that this information is for your reference only. If you are experiencing red dots that are not itchy, it is best to seek the advice of a doctor.