Q: Pinpoint red spots keep appearing on the front of my child's armpits. What could this be?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

Hello. Pinpoint red spots (petechiae) have appeared on the front of my child's armpits. The rest of their body is completely fine, but these spots seem to disappear and reappear over the course of a week. They are located on the front and sides of both armpits, rather than deep inside the crease. At first, I thought it might be from clothes rubbing or friction from an undershirt because my child sleeps on their stomach. The spots are actually quite red in person. There have been no recent cold symptoms or any other issues. I read some scary things online about red spots, which made me very anxious. They are not present anywhere else on the body. What could be causing this?

Answer:

Hello. I understand you are very worried about the pinpoint red spots (petechiae) near your child's armpits, especially after coming across frightening information on the internet.

Based on the symptoms you described, we can summarize the situation as follows:

• The spots are confined strictly to the front and sides of the armpits.

• They repeatedly disappear and reappear over a week.

• There are no spots on any other parts of the body.

• There are no accompanying symptoms, such as a cold or fever.

This specific pattern strongly suggests that the spots are caused by simple physical irritation, such as friction or pressure from clothing. This is highly likely given the localized position of the spots and the fact that they continuously come and go without worsening.

However, you should seek a medical evaluation if you notice any of the following warning signs:

• The pinpoint spots begin to spread to other areas of the body.

• Your child starts bruising easily or experiences frequent nosebleeds.

• The spots are accompanied by a fever, unusual fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes.

• The condition persists for more than two weeks or gets progressively worse.

For now, observe the area for a few more days and take clear photos to keep a record of any changes. Dress your child in loose-fitting, breathable cotton clothing, and check to see if the seams, tags, or straps of their undershirts are rubbing against the skin while they move or sleep. While this is most likely a straightforward case of physical friction, please consult your pediatrician for an in-person evaluation if you notice any concerning changes or if the spots persist.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us