What should you know about small flat red dots on skin not itchy?

Red spots may follow friction, heat, a new product, minor inflammation or a resolving rash. Conditions such as contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, lichen planus or a skin yeast infection can change colour and texture, although some are itchy and some are not. Hives are usually raised and change position, while scabies commonly causes marked itch. Flat dots that do not fade when pressed, spread quickly, or appear with bruising need medical assessment because colour alone cannot identify the cause.

Note whether the dots are new, blanch with gentle pressure, form a pattern, follow a product or medicine, or occur with fever, pain, bleeding or mouth and eye symptoms.

Take clear photographs in good light and record when the spots appeared and where they started. Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care and avoid rubbing or applying steroid, antifungal or bleaching products without advice, because the wrong product can mask or irritate a rash. Arrange a routine review if the marks persist, recur, spread or remain unexplained. Bring a list of new medicines, supplements, cosmetics and recent illnesses.

Seek urgent medical care if spots spread rapidly or occur with fever, faintness, breathing difficulty, severe headache, confusion, unusual bruising or bleeding. Prompt assessment is also needed for dots that do not fade with pressure, especially when you feel acutely unwell. A rash involving the eyes, mouth or genitals, or painful skin blistering, should not wait for routine review.

Ask whether the spots blanch, what conditions fit their distribution, whether a medicine or contact exposure could be involved, and whether examination or testing is needed. Explain any timeline, associated symptoms and changes in products or health.