Every living human being has probably, at some point in his or her life, had the pleasure of discovering a mysterious red spot or bump on his or her skin (opens in new tab) (specifically, something beyond pigmentation (opens in new tab)). And as anyone who has seen a dermatologist (opens in new tab) or anxiously self-diagnosed on the Internet knows, there is not necessarily one definitive answer or one miraculously effective treatment.

To prevent you from attacking your skin with the wrong prescription, we chatted with two leading dermatologists to find the top 7 most likely red spots on your skin. Don't worry, these red spots are not your forever. And it's important that you do two things.

Here are the causes, the symptoms, and a quick, expert-approved solution. As always, please consult a professional dermatologist before self-diagnosing. Please read this guide first.

What it is

The most common cause of red spots on the skin is, without a doubt, acne, a condition that affects the oil glands and hair follicles in the skin. Joshua Zyckner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, says, "Acne has long been thought to be exclusive to teenagers, but thanks to hormonal changes, adult women are getting acne, too."

Symptoms:

Because acne is commonly associated with blackheads, whiteheads, and pus-filled pimples, it is easy to forget that angry red bumps around the mouth, jawline, chest, and back, or cystic acne, also fall into acne territory.

What to do:

"Products that contain benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation, like Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask, are the best treatment," suggests Dr. Zeichner. After washing your face at night and before bed, apply a very thin mask to areas prone to breakouts and acne. If you have never used benzoyl peroxide before, incorporate it into your routine once every three days before using it every night. He warns, "Try to sleep on white pillowcases, as benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics."

What it is:

A cherry hemangioma, essentially a fancy name for a red mole, is a collection of small blood vessels usually found on the torso, arms, legs, and shoulders of people over 30. They are usually about the size of a freckle already on the body, but can grow larger.

Symptoms:

They are not itchy, but that does not mean you should fiddle with them. Scratching, rubbing, or cutting open a hemangioma can cause bleeding, which is never ideal.

What to do:

When it comes to dealing with these little spots, don't take matters into your own hands; just because the world of YouTube skin care tutorials is great doesn't mean you should try everything at home. The safest solution is to see a dermatologist, who can destroy it with laser treatment or an electrocautery scalpel, an in-office skin cancer prevention treatment in which a specialist uses tools to shave the affected skin surface.

What it is: [Keratosis pilaris (open in new tab) - a hard, small red bump that usually appears on the back of the upper arms and thighs - is caused by a buildup of excess keratin in the skin's hair follicles that blocks the pores.

Symptoms:

The bumps of keratosis pilaris do not actually produce symptoms other than inflammation and slight itching.

What to do:

First of all: resist the urge to pluck unless you want to make the bump more inflamed (opens in new tab). Instead, look for creams that contain skin exfoliating ingredients (opens in new tab), such as Amlactin 12% Moisturizing Lotion, which contains lactic acid, a sugar-derived alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, that not only moisturizes the skin but also dissolves keratin bonds and reduces bumps. If not used daily without fail, keratosis pilaris will recur.

What it is:

Broken capillaries (open in new tab) are enlarged blood vessels just below the surface of your skin that usually look like bright, blood red marks. They are typically caused by either skin trauma, such as crushing a pimple with great force, or excessive dilation of the blood vessels due to taking a hot shower or drinking alcohol.

Symptoms:

The pimples usually form a branch-like pattern or sometimes just one bright red sting. Fortunately, they are not painful.

What to do:

As much as I hate being a Debbie Downer, you won't be able to get rid of them yourself unless you go to a dermatologist's office and have them zapped with a laser. If, like me, you are on a budget, there are home remedies (opens in new tab). Over-the-counter products containing anti-inflammatory ingredients like rosehip oil can minimize redness," says dermatologist Arash Akhavan, M.D., founder of the Dermatology and Laser Group (opens in new tab) in New York City.

What it is:

Papulovesicular eczema is caused by damage to the skin barrier, resulting in inflammation and dry, red, itchy bumps on the body. It is generally worse in cold, dry weather (when the skin is already dry and inflamed) and is more common in people with sensitive skin.

Symptoms:

According to Dr. Zeichner, "Eczema can appear as red, scaly bumps or patches almost anywhere on the body, but is most common on the inside of the elbow."

What to do:

"The itchiness gives you the urge to scratch, but scratching only makes the rash worse," says Rachel Nazarian, M.D., a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York (open in new tab). Fortunately, there are treatments available, such as prescription topical steroid creams, but until you see a dermatologist, avoid hot showers and use only gentle cleansers such as Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar," she says.

"Using a humidifier in the bedroom can help prevent moisture loss due to dry air.

What it is:

"After exposure to heat or sweat, the skin may develop small red bumps known as rashes," explains Dr. Nazarian.

"Rashes are usually found in areas with high sweat glands, such as the back or chest, but can actually be found anywhere."

Symptoms:

When a person has heat rash, itchy patches, blisters, and red bumps are seen.

What to do:

"As soon as you notice the rash, cool and dry the affected area. Once dry, apply a thin layer of a topical steroid cream, such as Vanicream 1% hydrocortisone cream, to soothe the inflamed skin. Says Dr. Nazarian, "It may take up to a week to heal, during which time tight-fitting clothing should be avoided."

What it is: [Rosacea is a condition in which the skin overreacts to triggers that do not normally upset the skin, such as spicy foods, alcohol, hot drinks, stress, and the surrounding environment," Dr. Zyckner explains.

Symptoms:

People with rosacea (open in new tab) have redness, red bumps, and sometimes small pimples on the face, along with a tendency to become very red. Burning or stinging pain is common, but this is a major difference; rosacea is usually not accompanied by itching.

What to do:

"The best way to treat rosacea is to keep the skin barrier function as good as possible," says Dr. Zeichner. Looking for a product that not only reduces inflammation but also actively protects the skin from the sun, Dr. Zeichner recommends rosacea patients try the Aveeno Ultra Calming Daily Moisturizer, which protects the skin with SPF 30 and soothing antioxidants.