Small red skin botches can be itchy and uncomfortable. They may have a number of causes, such as hives, measles, scabies and insect bites. If you have red skin blotches you should have them diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
Hives
Hives (urticaria) can cause small red blotches on the skin. Hives occur when your body releases histamine, a chemical present in some white blood cells. Histamine causes cells to contract, leading to reddening of the skin and the production of hives.
According to dermatologist Alan Rockoff, MD, hives come and go quickly without leaving any traces. They may be caused by an allergic reaction but are mostly idiopathic -- having no known cause.
Scabies
Scabies is caused by the microscopic mite, Sarcoptes scabei, infecting the skin. Scabies are characterized by a rash consisting of small red blotches that can occur anywhere on the body. The rash is itchy and uncomfortable and can spread as the mites lay their eggs under the skin. According to MayoClinic.com, scabies is passed from person to person by means of skin contact, such as shaking hands.
Insect Bites
Insect bites from mosquitoes may also cause small, red skin blotches. Mosquito bites are itchy and painful and can sometimes transmit infections, such as malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus. According to MayoClinic.com, treatment usually consists of topical or oral antihistamine to ease the itching.
Measles
Measles is a common childhood disease, which causes red skin blotches, as well as fever, runny nose and sore throat. Although the disease was virtually eliminated by 2000, recently there has been an increase in outbreaks, due to the number of parents who prefer not to vaccinate their children, MayoClinic.com explains.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin disorder that causes small, red patches on the skin. The skin may also develop pimples in these areas. Although the exact cause is unknown, according to Daily Glow, alcohol or spicy foods are associated with outbreaks. Treatment usually involves oral or topical antibiotics.
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