Red dots on hands

I noticed these red dots on my hands this morning. There are several of them on both hands. They are all pretty much perfect circles, solid red throughout with no pus or apparent "bite" marks, and they're all the same size (a little smaller than a pencil eraser). They are not raised, painful, or itchy. They're just red dots (I wouldn't even call them "bumps") on the top and sides of my hands and fingers - none on my palms or feet. Any idea what they might be?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These red dots can be due to viral infections or petechiael spots. Petechiae are pinpoint-sized red dots under the surface of the skin. They are common after skin trauma and viral infections. They should go away in a few days. But if they persist then please consult a physician and get other causes ruled out which include allergic reaction, autoimmune diseases, thrombocytopenia, ITP or leukemias.

My sincere advice is to get it examined from a dermatologist. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.