What should you know about wine spots on skin?

If you mean red or purple pimples, they may reflect inflammation around a blocked follicle. Acne can produce tender bumps, whiteheads, blackheads, or deeper lesions. Folliculitis and razor bumps can resemble pimples, especially after shaving, while rosacea may cause facial redness and acne-like bumps. Perioral dermatitis often clusters around the mouth or nose. Colour alone cannot identify the cause, and a flat birthmark or a spot that bleeds needs a different assessment.

Record where the spots occur, when they started, whether they follow shaving or a new product, and whether they leave marks. This information helps a clinician separate pimples from look-alike conditions.

Wash gently, avoid squeezing, and pause harsh scrubs, fragranced products, and unprescribed steroid creams on the face. Use a clean razor and avoid shaving over inflamed bumps. A clinician may consider acne, hormonal acne, rosacea, folliculitis, or perioral dermatitis before selecting treatment. LED light therapy may be discussed in some acne plans, but it is not a universal answer for every red or wine-coloured mark.

Arrange a review if spots persist, recur, spread, scar, or fail to behave like ordinary pimples. Seek prompt care for rapidly changing colour, spontaneous bleeding, ulceration, marked swelling, severe pain, fever, or eye symptoms. A new unexplained purple patch or widespread rash also warrants medical assessment rather than home acne treatment.

Are these pimples or another type of spot? Does the colour suggest inflammation, bleeding, or a separate skin condition? Could shaving or a product be contributing? What should I stop using? Which treatment is appropriate for my skin type and location?