Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (also known as IgA vasculitis) is an inflammation of the small blood vessels of the skin, joints, bowels and kidneys. When blood vessels get inflamed, they can bleed into the skin, causing a reddish-purple rash (purpura). The most striking feature of this form of vasculitis is a purplish rash, typically on the lower legs and buttocks. Henoch-Schonlein purpura can also cause abdominal pain and aching joints. Rarely, serious kidney damage can occur. Henoch-Schonlein purpura can affect anyone, but it's most common in children under 10. The condition usually improves on its own. Medical care is generally needed if the disorder affects the kidneys.
Treatment may include supportive care, pain management, and addressing underlying causes.
Symptoms

Skin rash and redness

  • Petechiae or purpura

  • At legs not feet, At buttocks, At ankles

  • At feet

  • At upper extremity except hand, At hands

  • At face

  • At abdomen, At back

or Ecchymoses or bruising

  • On Lower Limb, At buttocks

  • On Upper Limb

common

Joint pain

  • Knees

  • At wrist

  • Elbows

or Enlarged joint

or Pain in ankle region without achilles tendon

or Ankle joint swelling

or Enlarged knee joint

or Enlarged wrist

or Enlarged elbow

common

Abdominal pain

  • Nonspecific, non-focal

  • Severe

  • Crampy

common

Swelling in lower leg

  • In both lower legs, One side

or Enlarged feet or ankle

  • In one side, In both feet or ankles

Throwing up

or Feel like vomiting

Lump or swelling in testicle sac

or Pain in testicles

Anemia

Black stool

Enlarged arms or hands

or Swelling or lump in eyelid

  • Painful

Decreased urine

Risk factors

Recent upper respiratory tract infection

or History of gastroenteritis

or Recent history of Otitis Media

or Recent infection

Treatment
Treatment isn’t always necessary for IgA vasculitis because symptoms often go away on their own following the acute period. If your symptoms are bothersome, a healthcare provider may recommend taking: <b>Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)</b> to treat joint pain, like naproxen. <b>Corticosteroids</b> like prednisone to treat abdominal pain, kidney involvement or significant swelling. While IgAV is generally a rather mild illness that goes away on its own, it can also cause serious complications in the kidneys and bowels. Some patients may need to take immunosuppressant medications to prevent these complications.
Recommended specialist

If you have Henoch-Schönlein purpura, then a visit to a pediatric rheumatologist is recommended.

Contact a

Pediatric rheumatologist

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