Purple bumps on the skin are commonly associated with an inflammatory skin disease known as lichen planus, according to the Mayo Clinic. Because lichen planus can be unsightly and it may be accompanied by discomfort, those affected may opt to use home remedies or seek medical attention to keep the problem under control.
Symptoms
Purple or reddish-purple flat-topped bumps associated with lichen planus may show up on any area of skin, but they most commonly appear on the inner forearm and around the wrists and ankles, according to the Mayo Clinic. Bumps may appear in clusters, in lines or along the side of an injury. The purple bumps may be covered with fine white lines and feel itchy.
Causes
Most dermatologists believe that lichen planus can be categorized as an autoimmune disease, a condition that occurs when germ-fighting blood cells attack normal parts of the body, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Though no one knows for sure what causes the autoimmune response, lichen planus-type rashes may occur as adverse responses to certain medications. Allergens and hepatitis C sometimes trigger lichen planus. It isn't contagious, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Diagnosis
If you have purple skin bumps, discuss them with your doctor. He may be able to diagnose the condition by visual inspection, but he may also order a biopsy -- a test of a small sample of skin from one of the purple bumps -- to confirm the diagnosis, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. He may also order blood tests to determine whether you have hepatitis C, or refer you to an allergist to identify any agents that may trigger new outbreaks, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Outlook
You may have just a few purple bumps, or you may develop more. Lichen planus can last for weeks to months, but it also might return after the bumps are gone, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Sometimes bumps leave dark brown spots that slowly fade for months. This is most common in people of Asian, African or Hispanic descent.
Treatment
Although lichen planus is incurable, some treatments can relieve itching and reduce the appearance of outbreaks until they subside on their own, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Two of the most common treatments include oral antihistamines and topical corticosteroid creams. If you have a severe case of lichen planus, you may need a stronger treatment such as oral cortisone medication or an ultraviolet light treatment, according to the academy.
