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What Causes Reddish Spots On The Back, Torso And Arms?
Question: My 15 year old has tiny red dots sparsely spread on his back, torso and arms. They are almost invisible to the naked eye, single and very spread out. I am not sure how long they've been there as you have to get right next to the skin to see them. He's very pale. He also does have a few larger spots that I would call cherry angiomas. I have several of these. Is this cause for concern? What could it be?
These cannot be captured by a camera. When I say tiny, I mean you can't see them with the naked eye unless your face is right next to the skin. Asked a different way, are petchiae usually single and spaced very far apart (like at least 5" between each)? I can't see any on the legs or feet - just a few randomly sprinkled far apart on the back, chest and a few on the upper arm. He does have gluten allergy and those keratin bumps on the top of his arms so skin things are normal for him.
Can you just answer the simple questions I asked above? I cannot get a picture . This is a 15 year old boy and he doesn't want me taking them, and the ones I have tried to not come out. The tiny spots are too small. XXXX
These cannot be captured by a camera. When I say tiny, I mean you can't see them with the naked eye unless your face is right next to the skin. Asked a different way, are petchiae usually single and spaced very far apart (like at least 5" between each)? I can't see any on the legs or feet - just a few randomly sprinkled far apart on the back, chest and a few on the upper arm. He does have gluten allergy and those keratin bumps on the top of his arms so skin things are normal for him.
Can you just answer the simple questions I asked above? I cannot get a picture . This is a 15 year old boy and he doesn't want me taking them, and the ones I have tried to not come out. The tiny spots are too small. XXXX
Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Your question has the answer. If the spots are not visible with the naked eye they are not problematic for now. Since you have cherry angiomas and you doubt these very tiny spots would grow larger, I suggest to take a picture now with the date, keep tracking the spots with a picture and store with the date. If you notice any difference in a few years you and if they are quite visible by then you can see a local Dermatologist for an opinion.
Cherry angiomas are not a cause of concern anyway. Their mean age is 30+ years so your boy has a long way to go and get treated with cautery. However educate the boy not to scratch them. Cover the areas all the time so that he would not be bothered by their unsightly appearance, neither his friends bother him.
Let me tell you cherry angiomas do not need treatment unless they bleed. If you are not sure about angioma you should confirm it with a biopsy.
Let me know if there are bothering questions.
Follow through
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Your question has the answer. If the spots are not visible with the naked eye they are not problematic for now. Since you have cherry angiomas and you doubt these very tiny spots would grow larger, I suggest to take a picture now with the date, keep tracking the spots with a picture and store with the date. If you notice any difference in a few years you and if they are quite visible by then you can see a local Dermatologist for an opinion.
Cherry angiomas are not a cause of concern anyway. Their mean age is 30+ years so your boy has a long way to go and get treated with cautery. However educate the boy not to scratch them. Cover the areas all the time so that he would not be bothered by their unsightly appearance, neither his friends bother him.
Let me tell you cherry angiomas do not need treatment unless they bleed. If you are not sure about angioma you should confirm it with a biopsy.
Let me know if there are bothering questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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Detailed Answer:
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Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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