red dots on arms

I have had rash-like dots on my arms for as long as I can remember and nothing has ever got rid of them. I'm becoming more concious of them now and was wondering if you know what they might be.

The dots are on the upper half of my arms and only on the top side reaching from my shoulders to just below my elbows.

I also have similar dots on my legs, only on the thighs and only on the front but they are more purple in colour and smoother than my arms.

Any help would be gratefully appreciated

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
These red bumps could be due to a condition called Keratosis pilaris.Keratosis pilaris (KP, also follicular keratosis) is a very common genetic skin condition that is manifested by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin and hence colloquially referred to as "chicken skin".

It most often appears on the back and outer sides of the upper arms  and can also occur on the thighs and tops of legs, flanks and  buttocks.
Keratosis pilaris occurs as excess keratin, a natural protein in the skin, accumulates within the hair follicles forming hard plugs. Bearing only cosmetic consequence, the condition most often appears as a proliferation of tiny hard bumps that are seldom sore or itchy.

Many KP bumps contain an ingrown hair that has coiled. This is a result of the keratinized skin "capping off" the hair follicle, preventing the hair from exiting. Instead, the hair grows inside the follicle. This can be removed  though removal can lead to scarring.

There is currently no known cure for keratosis pilaris; however, there are effective treatments available which make its symptoms less apparent. Exfoliation, intensive moisturizing cremes, lac-hydrin, Retin A and medicated lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids or urea may be used to temporarily improve the appearance and texture of affected skin.

The condition often improves with age and can even disappear completely in adulthood, though some will show signs of keratosis pilaris for life.
ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keratosis_pilaris