Concern Over Small Red Spots on My Skin After Outdoor Activity
Hello! I'm an 18-year-old female. Yesterday, while I was outside cleaning my pool, I returned indoors and noticed the appearance of several tiny red spots on the back of my hand—approximately eight in total. I have a history of eczema, but I don't believe this is related. I'm curious if I should be concerned about the possibility of scabies. The spots are neither itchy nor raised, which leads me to think it’s unlikely. Additionally, I did experience a mild sunburn on my arms and face, yet the red dots seem to be localized only on my hand.
Answers (1)

7/1/2025, 2:01:25 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about any changes in your skin, especially after spending time outdoors. Based on what you've described, the small red spots on your hand, which are neither itchy nor raised, might not be a sign of something serious like scabies. They could be a reaction to sun exposure, irritation from cleaning products, or even small capillary reactions due to sunlight.
Explanation
-
Sun Exposure: Given that you experienced mild sunburn, it’s possible these spots are related to sun exposure. Sunburn can sometimes cause localized redness or tiny red spots (called petechiae) as a response.
-
Irritation: Cleaning chemicals or common allergens may have caused irritation, especially if you came into contact with any soaps, lotions, or pool chemicals.
-
Eczema: Although you believe this is unrelated to your eczema, skin conditions can sometimes flare up or manifest differently with environmental factors.
Next Steps
-
Monitor the Spots: Keep an eye on the red spots for changes. If they begin to itch, increase in number, or if you develop other symptoms such as swelling or pain, that may warrant further attention.
-
Sun Protection: Apply a gentle moisturizer to the affected area and ensure proper sun protection when outdoors in the future to prevent further irritation or burns.
-
Avoid Irritants: If you suspect cleaning products may have caused the spots, try to minimize exposure to them. Wear gloves during cleaning or use gentle, fragrance-free products.
-
Cool Compresses: If the area becomes uncomfortable, cool compresses can help relieve irritation.
-
Consulting Further: If the spots persist for more than a week, change appearance, or you have any worsening symptoms, consider seeking advice.
It’s always good to stay proactive about skin changes, and observing these spots closely can help you determine if further action is necessary. Take care!
Related Questions
Swelling and Discomfort in Arm After Recent Procedures
A 24-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 3 inches and weighing 235 pounds, has recently undergone several medical procedures, including gastric sleeve surgery, gallbladder removal, and treatment for kidney stones, with a stent placed in her kidney, all within the last two months. Currently, she is on oxycodone for pain relief and is supplementing with potassium due to low levels. After spending six days in the hospital, she learned that her gallbladder needed to be removed. During her stay, two midline intravenous lines were inserted—one for administering nutrition and the other for her medications. Now, approximately a week post-surgery, she is experiencing discomfort above her elbow. Initially, she believed this pain was a result of a previous IV being replaced. However, the pain has persisted and a noticeable lump has developed. In her search for answers online, she found herself worried about the possibility of a blood clot, though she suspects that the issue might simply stem from the IV treatment. It remains unclear whether the injury is related to that.
What Could This Ankle Injury Be?
I am a 15-year-old from Illinois, weighing 113 pounds. I don’t use any medications or smoke. Recently, while I was relaxing on my couch, I noticed a strange sensation on my left ankle. Initially, I thought it was a scab, but upon further inspection, I realized it was only slightly scabbed. After scratching at it, I looked down to discover two circular cuts positioned close together, and they were bleeding quite a bit. To manage the bleeding, I applied a band-aid. I’m concerned about whether this might be a bug bite or indicate something more serious.
Concerns About a Red Spot Under My Toenail
I'm really puzzled about something happening with my toenail. There's a noticeable red spot, and the toenail seems to be detaching from the underlying skin. It’s quite sensitive and seems to bleed easily, which raises some concerns about its condition. - Age: 38 - Gender: Male - Height: 6 feet - Weight: 240 pounds - Ethnicity: Caucasian - Duration of issue: 3 months - Affected nail: Left big toe - Current medical conditions: None reported - Medications: Concerta and metoprolol due to COVID-related arrhythmia; otherwise, no known heart problems.
Is There Cause for Concern?
Hello everyone, I've recently dropped from 252 pounds to 221 pounds over the course of the last two months. I've incorporated regular walks into my routine, but my eating habits consist mainly of just one meal per day, which I realize is not ideal. My family has advised me to schedule a visit with my doctor, so I have an appointment set for Friday. Should I be worried about this? I've developed a habit of weighing myself every day, and even minor fluctuations in my weight tend to cause me significant anxiety. For reference, I am a 32-year-old male standing at 5 feet 11 inches tall.
Bumps Discovered Near Armpit
A 36-year-old male, measuring 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 175 pounds, has observed two elevated red lumps located on the posterior side of his arm, close to the armpit area. Currently, he is not taking any medication. What might these bumps indicate? While they do not cause pain and are not particularly itchy, he has noticed a slight irritation when he touches them.