What causes pink dots on skin? Related conditions and treatments

There are many reasons you may develop pink dots on your skin, some more obvious than others. A mosquito bite, for example, can cause a pink bump. So can acne. But if you don’t know why they’re present or if they don’t itch, the pink dots may be caused by an underlying condition or less obvious external factors. Possible causes of pink dots on the skin include contact dermatitis, hives, rosacea, acne, psoriasis, folliculitis, and viral infections, such as chickenpox or shingles.

What causes pink dots on the skin?

“There are numerous causes of pink lesions on the skin, given that most dermatology rashes start as small pink to red macules or papules at the beginning of their evolution,” says Christopher Bunick, MD, dermatologist and associate professor at Yale School of Medicine: Department of Dermatology. In other words, most rashes look like pink dots on the skin when they first develop. 

Contact dermatitis

Feeling itchy? The pink dots on your skin could be the first signs of contact dermatitis. If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to a new laundry detergent, poison ivy, or poison sumac, you’ve experienced contact dermatitis. This condition occurs when the immune system has an allergic response to a substance, causing pink or red, itchy, irritated spots or patches on the skin.

The best way to eliminate contact dermatitis is to identify and remove the irritant. The pink dots will often go away within two to four weeks without treatment. Symptoms like itchiness and inflammation can be soothed with anti-itch cream, calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or topical antihistamines, such as Benadryl Itch Relief.

Hives

Hives, known as urticaria, are itchy, raised, red spots on the skin that develop in response to stress, allergies, infections, or even underlying medical conditions. While hives typically look like red welts, they might appear as pink dots on the skin when first developing. In addition to feeling itchy, hives may feel painful.

In most cases, hives go away on their own. Future outbreaks can be prevented by avoiding triggers and allergens. At-home symptom management includes cold compresses, OTC antihistamines, and topical anti-itch creams. Prescription medications for hives include antihistamines, leukotriene inhibitors, and corticosteroids. 

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles. It can be caused by a heat rash, bacterial infection, irritation, fungus, or injury in any area where hair grows. Folliculitis can cause pink or red dots on the skin that look like tiny pimples. Sometimes, folliculitis bumps even fill with pus and look like whiteheads. Folliculitis often itches, a key indication that the pink dots are not acne.

Most cases of folliculitis go away on their own over time. However, at-home folliculitis treatments, such as warm compresses, frequent washing with antibacterial soap, and OTC anti-inflammatory medications, can speed up the healing process. If folliculitis does not go away on its own after two weeks, a doctor may prescribe medications to target the underlying problem, such as a viral or fungal infection.

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that develops from blocked and inflamed hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Acne does not always look like whiteheads and blackheads. Inflammatory acne can cause papules—solid, tender bumps that are red, pink, or skin-colored. Papules do not have a pus-filled white tip like pimples do.

Some acne papules can be treated with OTC products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Sometimes, a dermatologist may recommend prescription acne treatments, such as antibiotics, retinoids, or hormonal medications. 

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic condition marked by flushing and visible small blood vessels on the face, usually on the cheeks and nose. The redness is sometimes accompanied by warmth, pink or red bumps similar to pimples, and skin thickening. This skin condition can cause pink dots, but the main symptom is redness. If you only have pink dots on your skin, it’s probably not rosacea. 

Common rosacea treatments include avoiding triggers, laser treatments, dermabrasion, and other prescription medications or dermatology procedures.

Viral exanthem rash

Viral exanthem rashes are rashes caused by a virus. Some people’s immune systems trigger widespread red or pink dots, bumps, or blotches as part of a response to a virus. If a viral exanthem rash is the cause of your pink dots, you will likely have other virus symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, and fever.

If you have a viral exanthem rash, the pink dots will disappear once the virus has run its course. In the meantime, symptoms, such as itchiness or pain, can be treated with OTC anti-itch creams or painkillers like acetaminophen.

Eczema

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes itchy, irritated skin. Most people with eczema start experiencing symptoms as a child. Eczema flare-ups, which are often triggered by certain foods or environmental factors (dander, dust, or weather), can cause pink or red lesions, according to Dr. Bunick. Flare-ups are often intensely itchy and irritated. The irritated skin may develop painful cracks or fissures.

Eczema treatments depend on the age of the patient and the severity of the condition. In some cases, wet wraps, light therapy, and stress relief can soothe symptoms. In other cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes red, pink, scaly patches on the skin. Some types of psoriasis rashes cause itching, while others cause pain and cracked skin. “Psoriasis also can present with pink to red lesions,” Dr. Bunick says. 

Treatments for psoriasis depend on the location, severity, and type of psoriasis. Possible treatments include stress management, trigger avoidance, steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Squamous cell carcinoma 

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common type of skin cancer. It is caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation or other damaging environmental factors. Though other causes are more likely to explain your rash, pink dots on sun-exposed skin may be an early sign of SCC. 

SCC symptoms include:

• A firm bump that is black, brown, red, or pink
• A flat, crusty sore
• A new raised sore on an old scar 
• A rough or scaly patch on the lip

Treatments for skin cancer include removing the top layer of affected skin by scraping it, freezing it, laser therapy, or light therapy.

Should I be worried about pink dots on the skin?

“Most rashes that are mild and dissipate within seven days can be commonly treated with OTC medications,” says Erika Luren, a nurse practitioner and owner of Parasol Aesthetics, Dermatology & Wellness in Las Vegas, Nevada. “However, there are several symptoms that may indicate a rash needs expert medical attention.”

See a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms along with pink dots on your skin:

• Fever
• Severe pain
• Blistering
• Signs of a skin infection (heat, pain, swelling, crusting, pus, or foul odor)
• Widespread bruising
• Dizziness

Seek emergency medical attention if your symptoms are debilitating or if the pink dots spread quickly over your body and are accompanied by signs of an allergic reaction, such as lightheadedness or shortness of breath. 

In general, pink dots on the skin are not a medical emergency. However, if your rash persists beyond two weeks, it could indicate an underlying medical condition. Consult a healthcare professional so you can pinpoint the cause and receive appropriate treatment. 

How is the cause of pink dots on the skin diagnosed?

Pink dots on the skin may be diagnosed through a physical exam and a thorough discussion of your medical history. Your doctor might ask the following questions to diagnose the cause of your pink dots:

• When did the pink dots first appear?
• Have the pink dots changed in size or color since appearing?
• Have you ever experienced this type of rash or skin reaction before? 
• Do you have any allergies?

Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Bunick says that a dermatologist may recommend one or more of the following tests:

• Superficial aerobic wound culture
• Viral swab
• KOH prep test (to test for yeast)
• Skin biopsy
• Bloodwork

Are pink dots on the skin contagious? 

The contagiousness of the pink dots on your skin depends on the underlying cause. It is best to avoid skin contact, especially with vulnerable populations like  older adults and young children, until you are diagnosed. 

“Some pink lesions on the skin represent viral exanthems or rashes, which can be contagious,” Dr. Bunick says. If the pink dots are caused by eczema or psoriasis, however, the condition is not contagious.

“The world of dermatologic rashes is quite vast,” explains Luren. “It is always best to have the eyes, ears, and even nose of a dermatology clinician to decipher what your spots are, how to avoid spreading them to others, and treatments for elimination.”

How long do pink dots on the skin last?

“The duration of pink dots on the skin depends on the cause,” Dr. Bunick says. He suggests consulting your healthcare provider if unexplained skin rashes last over three weeks. 

How to treat pink dots on the skin

Treatment options for pink dots on the skin depend on the cause. In some cases, the pink dots will go away on their own within days or weeks. Topical anti-itch or anti-inflammatory creams or ointments applied to the affected area can help resolve symptoms faster. In severe cases of eczema or psoriasis, a doctor or dermatologist may recommend prescription steroids, antibiotics, or immunosuppressants. In rare cases, skin cancer will need to be removed. 

Most importantly, pink dots on the skin are treatable

Pink dots on skin causes may include contact dermatitis, acne, hives, chronic skin conditions, and more. The cause of pink dots on the skin may resolve on its own without treatment. However, if pink dots on the skin continue, worsen, or are accompanied by a fever, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it could be a sign of an allergic reaction and require emergency medical treatment. Only your healthcare provider can rule out infections or other serious health conditions. Visit your doctor to determine the best treatment for pink dots on your skin.