Red spots on feet and legs: what they may mean

Note whether the spots are flat or raised, centred on hairs, scaly, blistered, crusted or filled with fluid. New shoes, socks, shaving, sweating, insect exposure or a new product can irritate skin. Spots around hairs may fit folliculitis, while acne-like bumps can resemble pimples. Redness that is warm, tender and expanding needs prompt assessment because infection is possible. Colour that does not fade briefly when pressed, or bruising without a clear reason, also deserves medical review.

Gently wash and pat the area dry. Avoid scratching, tight footwear, shaving over the spots and fragranced products until the skin settles. Photograph the area in good light and record when it began, whether it is spreading, and any new medicine or exposure. Do not squeeze bumps or apply steroid, antibiotic or antifungal cream without advice, since the wrong product can obscure the diagnosis. A clinician can examine the pattern and choose treatment; options may differ for irritation, folliculitis or acne.

Arrange prompt care if redness is rapidly spreading, hot, increasingly painful, swollen, draining pus or accompanied by fever. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, facial swelling, faintness, severe illness, or purple-red spots that do not fade with pressure. Book a dermatology review if the spots persist, recur, leave marks, or have no clear trigger.

Could this pattern fit folliculitis, irritation or another skin condition? Should I stop any product, shaving routine or footwear? Which changes would mean I need same-day assessment?