What Could Be the Cause of Red Spots on the Inside of My Arm?

There are many reasons for red dots on the inner side of the arm, which may be spider nevi, subcutaneous bleeding, keratosis pilaris, etc. If accompanied by abnormal symptoms, it is necessary to go to the hospital for examination in time.

1. Spider Nevi

The center of spider nevi is slightly higher than the surface of the skin, and there are many capillaries extending outward around it, which is called spider nevi. It is mainly seen in patients with liver cirrhosis, and treatment should be targeted at the cause. Spider nevi vary in size, with the largest diameter reaching 1.5 cm. They are composed of a central small artery and many capillaries radiating outward. The central nevus body protrudes from the skin surface, and the capillaries extending outward are called spider legs (pseudopods). When the central point is pressed, the entire angioma can disappear, and when the pressure is removed, blood can be seen filling outward from the center. It is prone to occur in the upper part of the trunk, especially on the face, neck, and hands, and can also occur in trauma sites. It often occurs unilaterally, singly, or multiple times. Multiple occurrences should be suspected of liver disease. Similar damage can occur in the lips and nasal mucosa.

2. Subcutaneous Bleeding

Red spots on the skin are manifestations of subcutaneous bleeding. Initially, they are bright red, gradually turning purple after two or three days, then turning yellowish brown, and finally disappearing without leaving traces. When subcutaneous bleeding occurs, attention should be paid to whether there are symptoms such as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, excessive menstruation, fever, and anemia. Hospital examination should be conducted for further diagnosis and treatment, including platelet count, coagulation time, capillary fragility test, etc. The doctor will make corresponding treatment decisions based on the results. If it is simple purpura, it will disappear spontaneously after a few days without special treatment. When checking small bleeding points, they should be distinguished from red rash or small red nevi.

3. Keratosis Pilaris

The presence of small red dots on the arms may also be related to keratosis pilaris, which is associated with genetics and has no radical cure. Keratosis pilaris mainly occurs on the outer side of the upper arms and the extensor side of the thighs. In severe cases, it can even occur on the outer side of the elbows and the extensor side of the calves, appearing as if there is keratin accumulation at the opening of the hair follicles. When it is severe, there may also be surrounding redness or swelling, which may cause people to mistakenly believe that their arms or thighs have many pimples and inflamed acne. However, forcibly squeezing it will cause red spots. Keratosis pilaris is a constitution caused by genetic predisposition. People with this constitution have thicker keratin around the hair follicles, which can block the hair follicle openings and cause small bumps. Some patients with atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis usually also have keratosis pilaris. The symptoms are more severe in winter because keratosis pilaris is related to thickening of the stratum corneum. Therefore, when the climate is dry and cold, the thickening of the stratum corneum will be aggravated, making the symptoms more obvious.