In some cases, red spots may result from poor hygiene or a minor irritation. If they’re more serious, such as a sexually transmitted infection, they’re typically accompanied by other symptoms.

Made from petroleum, red dye 40 is a synthetic food dye. Some studies suggest a link between red dye 40 and ADHD behavior; the dye might trigger or exacerbate behavioral changes in sensitive children.

Depending on the skin tone, the dots may be red, gray, the same color, or darker than the person’s skin. Many causes of dots on the skin are harmless and resolve on their own. Others may need at ...