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OVERVIEW

What is Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP)?

Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a rare disease that causes the blood vessels in the skin to become irritated and swollen. This inflammation is called vasculitis. When the blood vessels bleed, you get a rash called purpura. HSP also can affect blood vessels in the bowel and the kidneys as well.

SYMPTOMS

HSP causes a skin rash called purpura. It looks like small bruises or small reddish-purple spots. The rash can occur on your buttocks, around the elbows or on the legs and feet. In addition to the rash, HSP can cause:

• Purple spots on the skin
• Joint pain
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Bloody diarrhea
• Abnormal urine
• Swelling and pain in the scrotum

Possible complications include:

• Internal bleeding
• Intestinal blockage
• Kidney problems

The symptoms usually last for about 4 to 6 weeks. If the blood vessels in the bowel and the kidneys get inflamed, HSP can make you bleed when you have a bowel movement or urinate. Serious kidney problems don’t happen often but can occur. If you or your child has symptoms of HSP, contact your healthcare provider. In rare cases, an abnormal folding of the bowel called intussusception can occur. This creates a blockage in the intestines that may need surgery.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes HSP?

The exact cause of HSP is unknown. Experts believe a person’s body develops excessive inflammation directed at certain blood vessels in the body.. It could be triggered by bacterial or viral infection such as an upper respiratory infection. Allergic reactions to, medicines, vaccinations, food, or insect bites could cause it. Exposure to chemicals or cold weather could also cause it. You may catch an infection that caused someone’s immune system to respond with HSP, but HSP itself isn’t contagious.

DIAGNOSIS

How is Henoch-Schönlein purpura diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may do a physical exam and review your symptoms. HSP can be diagnosed if you have two or more symptoms. The healthcare provider may do a skin biopsy and/or blood and urine test. They also may do additional tests to rule out other conditions.

PREVENTION

Can Henoch-Schönlein purpura be prevented or avoided?

Healthcare providers don’t know how to prevent HSP.  HSP is more common in boys than in girls. Children 2 to 11 years of age are more likely to be affected, but adults can get it too.

TREATMENT

There is no specific treatment for HSP. Your healthcare provider can prescribe medicine to help you feel better.  Antibiotics can treat a bacterial infection that may have triggered the disease.  HSP often goes away without treatment. Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help with swelling and joint pain.  Steroids, such as prednisone, can help people who have severe joint and stomach pain.

Living with Henoch-Schönlein purpura Usually, HSP doesn’t cause lasting problems and gets better on its own. About half of the people who have had HSP once will get it again. In some cases, long term kidney damage is possible.  Your healthcare provider may want to do routine urine samples to check for kidney problems. Be sure to see your healthcare provider regularly during this time.