Red spots on the skin require medical attention and care.

We must always be alert to the signals our body gives about our health. After all, she doesn't play with her!

Although not always a sign of something serious, the appearance of red spots on the skin should be investigated immediately as it may also be one of the symptoms of a more serious condition.

Red Spots and Cancer

Certainly, cancer is one of the diseases that causes most concern in people in general. When we spot some red spots, it is acceptable that we soon think this is really a sign of skin cancer.

And this is really a possibility. "Red rashes that are not itchy, that is, itchy, may be indicative of a more serious health problem, such as cancer, especially if they get bigger and bleed," explains Juliane Musacchio, MD, Hematology Manager of the IOC (Integrated Oncological Clinics) and Medical Researcher of the IOC Institute.

Skin cancer usually appears in areas most exposed to the sun, and is more common in people with clear skin and eyes, according to the hematologist.

Of the skin cancers, the most severe is melanoma, which, depending on staging (localized or disseminated), may vary in treatment and prognosis. "In localized cases, the patient may be cured only with local surgery and in more advanced cases, may need treatment with immunochemotherapy and radiotherapy, with worse prognosis," he adds.

Red spots and other health problems

According to the doctor, can red spots on the skin indicate blood related problems such as primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)? a disease that destroys blood platelets but is treated with immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids and has a favorable course. "Therefore, when a person arrives at the hospital complaining of red spots on the skin, without any other apparent symptoms, the doctor already imagines something like this and asks for some tests, including complete blood count to find out the problem," he explains.

"The most common cause of red spots is an exacerbation of pre-existing inflammatory dermatosis, most often psoriasis (autoimmune disease affecting the extensor region of the limbs and scalp) or atopic (allergic) dermatitis," adds Juliane Musacchio.

The professional explains that in patients with psoriasis, the presence of red spots on the skin occurs by discontinuation of systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive agents.

? Other causes of such lesions are sunburn, use of medicines such as lithium and antimalarials, and infections such as cellulite and erysipelas? infectious process caused by bacteria that also affect the subcutaneous ?, says.

Haemotologist Juliane points out that hypersensitivity to certain medications is the second most common cause of red spots on the skin. "These drugs include penicillin, sulfa, anticonvulsants and allopurinol," he says.

"However, there are other rarer causes of red spots on the skin, including non-Hodgkin T lymphoma and other hematological and systemic neoplasms, autoimmune diseases and infections," said Juliane Musacchio.

The hematologist also explains that red spots on the skin may be a sign of other cancers (besides the skin), but these are extremely rare cases. "In these settings, the diagnosis is made by local biopsy, and it is necessary to examine immunohistochemistry, with specific markers for each type of cancer, in addition to the evaluation of an experienced pathologist," he adds.

In which parts of the body can red spots appear?

According to hematologist Juliane, red spots can affect anywhere on the body and may even become widespread, depending on the cause.

"In general, do not cause pain, but in case of allergy, can cause itching (itching)," adds the professional.

How to seek help?

A common question that arises among people who have an unknown symptom is: which professional to turn to? This can even happen to someone who notices some red spots on the skin.

Juliane Musacchio points out that, depending on the symptoms (pain, itching, bleeding), the best solution is to go straight to the hospital or see a trusted dermatologist.

With this information, reinforces the need to always be aware of the signals that our body gives and seek medical help as soon as we notice something different.

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