Red spots on forearms: possible causes and care

Consider whether both forearms are affected and whether exposed skin is involved. A rash after a new soap, plant, jewellery or product can indicate contact irritation. Small rough bumps around hairs may fit follicular plugging, while tender hair-centred pustules can occur with folliculitis. Examine the surface for scale, crust, blisters or bruising. Rapid spread, warmth, swelling or marked tenderness changes the level of concern. A clinician may need to see the skin in person because several conditions can look alike in photographs.

Wash with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser, moisturise with a fragrance-free product, and protect exposed forearms from further sun and friction. Stop a newly introduced product and avoid scratching or picking. Keep a simple record of timing, exposures and changes. Do not layer multiple active treatments or use leftover prescription creams. If bumps follow hair removal, pause that routine while the skin recovers and ask a clinician about safer alternatives.

Get prompt advice when spots spread quickly, become hot or painful, ooze, form extensive blisters or come with fever. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, faintness or rapidly appearing purple spots that do not fade with pressure. A routine appointment is sensible for unexplained marks that persist, recur or change.

Could this be contact irritation, folliculitis or a sun-related change? Which products should I pause? Do the spots need examination or testing if they persist?