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Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
Introduction
Henoch-Schonlein purpura affects the small blood vessels of your skin, joints, intestines and kidneys, causing them to become inflamed and swollen (vasculitis).
Blood vessel inflammation can cause bleeding into your skin. For people with Henoch-Schonlein purpura, the bleeding causes a purplish skin rash (purpura) that can last up to several weeks.
Although Henoch-Schonlein purpura can affect anyone, it's most common in children ages 2 to 11, with 5 to 7 being the ages at which it's most likely to occur. It's the most common vasculitis that occurs in children. Boys are more likely to develop the condition than girls are, and it occurs less frequently in blacks than it does in whites or Asians.
In most cases, Henoch-Schonlein purpura improves on its own within four to six weeks. Medications may ease discomfort from some of the signs and symptoms of Henoch-Schonlein purpura.
Signs And Symptoms
There are three primary signs and symptoms of Henoch-Schonlein purpura, although not everyone with the disease develops all three. They are:
- Rash (purpura). Reddish-purple spots, which may look like bruises or be raised, occur in almost all cases. The rash usually appears on your child's buttocks, around elbows, and on legs and feet, although it may show up on the face and on other parts of your child's skin.
- Swollen, sore joints (arthritis). Knees and ankles are most commonly affected. Joint symptoms affect 60 percent to 80 percent of those with Henoch-Schonlein purpura. The arthritis resolves with no permanent damage when the disease clears up.
- Abdominal pain. About half of people with Henoch-Schonlein purpura develop gastrointestinal signs and symptoms, usually about eight days after the appearance of the rash. The most common is abdominal pain, which may be severe. Other gastrointestinal signs and symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and bloody stools or urine.
Causes
Although the cause of Henoch-Schonlein purpura isn't known, experts believe it to be most often triggered by an upper respiratory infection, such as a common cold. The blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis) may result from an overzealous immune system response to the triggering agent. Although the triggering agent may be contagious, Henoch-Schonlein purpura itself isn't.
Besides a common cold, other possible triggers include:
- Viral and bacterial infections, such as strep throat and parvovirus infection.
- Certain medicines, such as some types of antibiotics and antihistamines.
- Insect bites .
- Certain vaccinations, such as for measles.
There's no treatment for Henoch-Schonlein purpura, which typically improves on its own within four to six weeks. If your doctor determines that the cause is a reaction to a medicine, then stopping the medicine will clear up the condition. Until the disease clears up, some medications may help ease discomfort:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), can be effective in easing joint pain and swelling. They also can cause stomach upset, including ulcers, so follow package directions carefully and have your child take them with food or milk and only for as long as necessary.
- Corticosteroids. Your doctor may prescribe a powerful anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, such as prednisone, to help relieve severe abdominal pain. The abdominal pain usually subsides within 72 hours, so your child shouldn't have to take corticosteroids very long. However, the drugs can have serious side effects, such as elevated blood sugar, so be sure your child takes them only as directed.
Information obtained from National Institute of Health