What should you know about small spots on skin?

Spots around hairs may reflect folliculitis or friction. Itchy patches after a new product can reflect irritation or contact dermatitis, while spots that come and go with heat or sweating may have another trigger. Pimples often have a blocked pore or inflamed follicle, but many other rashes can resemble them. Flat brown marks, scaly areas, blisters, and purple dots should not be grouped together simply because they are small.

Record where the spots started, whether they spread, and whether they itch, hurt, ooze, or fade with pressure. A clinician may need to see the skin directly, particularly when the appearance is unusual.

Use a mild cleanser, moisturise if the skin feels dry, and avoid picking. Stop any recently introduced fragranced product and reduce rubbing from tight clothing or equipment. Keep the area cool and dry when sweat appears to worsen it. Do not layer several active treatments at once; this can irritate the skin and obscure the original pattern. Take a clear photo in consistent light if the spots change before an appointment.

Book an assessment if spots last longer than expected, repeatedly return, or interfere with sleep or daily activity. Seek prompt care for rapid spread, severe pain, warmth, pus, facial or eye involvement, fever, or purple spots that do not fade with pressure. A spot that bleeds, changes noticeably, or fails to heal should be checked.

Ask what the shape, colour, and distribution suggest, whether a product or medication could be contributing, and which treatment is appropriate for the suspected cause. Ask what change should trigger an earlier review.