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Why are some spots red?

The redness of spots is directly linked to the inflammatory response they trigger. What are the red spots that can appear?

Summary
Published August 18, 2022, updated on February 21, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 5 min read
Redness

Red spots are most commonly associated with inflammatory acne.

Inflammatory acne is due to overproduction of sebum correlated with the proliferation ofCutibacterium acnes. Cutibacterium acnes is a commensal bacterium of the skin microbiota. It contributes to maintaining the skin's good balance. However, under certain conditions, Cutibacterium acnes proliferates abnormally and becomes pathogenic. In defence, the skin cells secrete inflammatory mediators.This triggers an inflammatory response on the skin's surface. Furthermore, Cutibacterium acnes is also responsible forhyperkeratinisationof the skin (thickening of the skin) promoting the appearance of blemishes.

If the inflammation is superficial, papules (red raised bumps) can be observed, which may transform into pustules (pus-filled spots). In the case of deep inflammation, very painful nodules appear and can progress into abscesses or cysts.

  • The papules are inflammatory skin features characterised by a solid consistency swelling, that is to say containing neither liquid nor pus, of small size (ranging from 1 to 4 mm) and of a colour from pink to red.

  • Thepustulesare small inflammatory lesions of the skin characterised by awell-defined and circumscribed elevation of the epidermis(diameter less than 5 mm) and topped in their centre by apurulent liquid of white colouroryellow.

Apart from acne, when can we see the appearance of red spots?

Several scenarios can lead to the occurrence of red spots.

  • Insect bites

    With the heat of summer, insects become numerous.The majority of these sting or bite to defend themselves or protect their territory, which then results in one or more red spots. Generally, this situation occurs when we get too close to them and/or make sudden movements. They then perceive a threat and defend themselves by stinging.

    Furthermore, certain insects such as mosquitoes and ticks bite in order to feed. For instance, in mosquitoes, only the females bite to sustain themselves on human blood for reproduction purposes.

    Some bites are completely painless (such as those from mosquitoes) while others can be painful. Generally, an allergic reaction to the venom deposited by the insect's labium (the insect's mouth) or its sting occurs subsequently.

    The vast majority of stings are benign and the discomfort they cause is minor.

  • Ingrown hairs

    A hair is said to be ingrown when it fails to penetrate the barrier of the dermis and exit the orifice of the hair canal. Thegrowth of the hair therefore occurs inside the skinand not on the outside. This leads to the appearance ofsmall red bumpsthat are inflamedand can itch, and even be painful. In cases where these bumps have become infected, most often due to their manipulation, they can swell and fill with pus. Theorigin of ingrown hairscan be varied: type of hair removal, type of hair, repeated rubbing of the skin with tight clothing, etc...

  • Some diseases such as chickenpox

    Chickenpox is a very common infectious disease caused by a virus called varicella-zoster (VZV), which belongs to the herpesvirus group. This disease is responsible for the emergence of spots associated with itching and extra-cutaneous symptoms (fever).

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