You wake up in the morning, head to the mirror, and that’s when you see them: Red spots under your eyes. It’s not acne—you’d recognize it if it was. It’s not a sudden burst of freckles, either.
So, what are those red dots? Where did they come from? And what will it take to make them go away?
These are all natural questions to have when you see red spots under your eyes. In this guide, we’ll be looking at some potential answers to these questions and more.
Your best skin—in 3 simple steps.
Our award-winning AI technology turns millions of scientific data points into a personalized, clinically effective, 3-step regimen that works—for you.
What Are Those Red Spots, Anyway?
To pinpoint exactly what may be happening under your eyes, an expert would need to see you and ask follow-up questions.
With that said, there are a few possibilities. To help you narrow it down, let’s explore some more likely causes of red spots under eyes.
Petechiae
- Arms
- Legs
- Stomach
- Mouth
- Buttocks
Petechiae show up for various reasons. Sometimes, they’re totally benign; in other cases, they may be a visible sign of something more concerning [1].
If your only symptom is the sudden appearance of these red spots, chances are you have nothing to worry about. However, if the dots stick around for a few days—or if you experience other symptoms—you may want to check in with a medical professional.
Eyelid Dermatitis
Dermatitis occurs when your sensitive skin comes in contact with an irritant or allergen. It’s rarely a sign of anything more serious, and it should go away on its own in a few days [2].
Styes
Here are some other telltale signs that you might be looking at a stye:3
- The dots have a small, white center
- You feel like there’s something in your eye
- You’re more sensitive to light
Styes are usually caused by bacterial infections and typically go away without intervention [4]. In rare cases, a specialist may prescribe you an eye cream or ointment.
Chalazia
Chalazia are usually caused by clogged oil glands in the eyelid.3 Unless they become large enough to press on your eye, they’re little more than annoying bumps that should disappear in a month or less [5].
Rosacea
Rosacea can also make you more susceptible to styes and chalazia [3], so if you frequently find these larger bumps, you may want to look into managing rosacea with PROVEN’s 3-step skincare set made specifically for you.
Shingles
Shingles can cause acute pain, headaches, fevers, and fatigue, so you should see your doctor if you suspect you’ve caught a case [7].
Potential Causes of Red Spots Under the Eyes
Most of the time, these red spots are completely harmless or a sign of a mild health problem. Some possible causes of red dots under the eyes may include:
- Physical strain – Anything from holding your breath to playing a wind instrument can cause the small blood vessels around your eyes to break [1]. Coughing, crying, and vomiting can also trigger petechiae [8].
- Injury – Skin damage from an accident, friction, or even the sun can cause those pinpoint-sized dots to appear under your eyes [1].
- Medication side effects – Some medications, such as antibiotics, blood thinners, and antidepressants, can cause petechiae [1]. Any drug that dilates the blood vessels can also trigger rosacea [9].
However, red dots can occasionally be a symptom of a more significant medical issue, especially if the spots feel raised, scaly, or painful. Only a medical professional can say for sure, but some of the potential causes could be:
- Infection – Red spots can be telltale symptoms of a bacterial infection (styes) or a viral infection (shingles) [7].
- Blood disorders – In rare cases, painless red dots like petechiae can point to a blood disorder like leukemia [1]. In these situations, the spots will usually be accompanied by other symptoms [1].
Great skincare should be simple.
The path to great skin can feel complicated. Our personalized, scientifically-proven 3-step routine makes it simple.
How to Treat and Prevent Red Spots
Ultimately, only a medical professional can identify the issue and provide advice to help treat the underlying cause of your red spots. We’ve touched on a few of the suggestions that a dermatologist might make, but don’t take this information as medical advice.
With that said, there are several ways to prevent the emergence or spread of red spots under your eyes. Below, we’ll cover some of these as well.
Wait for the Spots to Fade
While you wait, you may find it helpful to apply a cold compress, especially if you think it’s petechiae [1]. For a stye or chalazion, a warm compress will often do the trick [3].
Nourish and Moisturize the Skin
As with all skincare remedies, if your problem seems to be worsening, stop using any products and see a dermatologist.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
To shield your face from harmful UV rays, you can:
- Stick to the shade
- Use a daily moisturizer with SPF
- Wear a hat and sunglasses
Use Skincare Products with Vitamin C
Clean the Affected Area Regularly
In general, keeping your skin clean and dry can reduce the risk of unwanted health conditions, including red dots. That’s why it’s best to avoid makeup and heavy skincare products if you notice spots under your eyes.
Take Prescribed Medications
- Corticosteroids [1]
- Antibiotics [1]
- Medicated creams or gels
- Acne drugs (for rosacea) [9]
- Steroids (for chalazia) [5]
- Antiviral medications (for shingles) [12]
Only use medications as recommended by a medical professional.
Keep Your Skin in Tip-Top Shape With PROVEN
Whether they’re purely cosmetic or part of an underlying issue, red dots around eyes are no fun. And they certainly don’t complement your outfit of the day. As such, clearing those red dots from your face (and keeping them away) is likely your priority.
While skincare can’t solve all your red spot-related problems, it can certainly help—especially as a preventative measure. Take care of your skin, and it’s likely to return the favor.
With our quick Skin Genome Quiz, you can discover the perfect blend of ingredients to complement your skin type, reinvigorate your face, and even reduce the chance of those red spots coming back.
And, of course, if you notice red spots that won’t go away or seem to worsen, consult a board-certified dermatologist.
