Henoch-Schönlein purpura is an abnormal immune system reaction. It causes inflammation and damage to small blood vessels in the skin. This causes a rash, usually in the lower part of the body. The rash looks like bruises or red-purplish spots. It can also affect blood vessels of the joints, intestines, kidneys, and other organs. Henoch-Schönlein purpura is also called allergic purpura.
This reaction most often affects children. It can also affect adults. The exact cause is not known. It may be linked with a recent infection from a virus or bacteria. Some kinds of food or medicines may be a factor. The symptoms get better in 4 to 6 weeks. But they may come back during the next 6 months. This is not a contagious disease. It can't be spread to other people.
Home care
-
Have your child rest at home until they are feeling better.
-
Unless told otherwise, feed your child their normal diet.
-
Unless another medicine was prescribed, you can give your child acetaminophen for fever, fussiness, or pain. In children over 6 months old, you may use children's ibuprofen. Don't give aspirin to children under the age of 19. This is to prevent a serious condition called Reye syndrome.
-
Give your child extra fluids for the first few days. For children under 1 year old, continue regular feedings (formula or breast). Between feedings give an oral rehydration solution. You can buy these from grocery and drug stores. You don't need a prescription. For children over 1 year old, give plenty of fluids like water, juice, gelatin, ginger ale, lemonade, or ice pops.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's healthcare provider as advised.
When to get medical care
Call the healthcare provider right away if your child has any of these:
-
Belly (abdominal) pain
-
Symptoms that get worse
-
New symptoms
-
Blood in vomit or stool
-
Pink or brown-colored urine (this may appear up to 3 months after this illness)
-
Coughing up blood
-
Pain in the testicles
-
Headache
-
Chest pain
-
Seizure
-
Fever
-
Change in the level of alertness
