Henoch-Schonlein purpura
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Henoch-Schonlein purpura

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Anaphylactoid purpura; Vascular purpura; Leukocytoclastic vasculitis

Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a disease that involves purple spots on the skin, joint pain, gastrointestinal problems, and glomerulonephritis (a type of kidney disorder).

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  • Causes

    Henoch-Schonlein is caused by an abnormal response of the immune system. It is unclear why this occurs.

    The syndrome is mostly seen in children, but it may affect people of any age. It is more common in boys than in girls. Many people who develop this disease had an upper respiratory infection in the weeks before.

  • Symptoms

    • Abdominal pain
    • Joint pain
    • Purple spots on the skin (purpura), usually over the buttocks, lower legs, and elbows
    • Bloody diarrhea
    • Hives or angioedema
    • Nausea
    • Diarrhea
    • Painful menstruation
    • Vomiting

  • Exams and Tests

    The doctor will look at your body and look at your skin. The physical exam will show skin sores (purpura, lesions) and joint tenderness.

    Tests may include:

    • Skin biopsy
    • Urinalysis

  • Treatment

    There is no specific treatment. Most cases go away on their own. If symptoms do not go away, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid medicine such as prednisone.

  • Outlook (Prognosis)

    The disease usually gets better on its own.

  • Possible Complications

    • Bleeding inside the body
    • Kidney problems (in rare cases)

  • When to Contact a Medical Professional

    Call your health care provider if:

    • You develop symptoms of Henoch-Schonlein purpura, particularly if they last for more than a few days
    • You have low urine output after an episode of Henoch-Schonlein purpura

Related Information

Glomerulonephritis...Allergic vasculiti...Immune responseRenal
Open References

References

Ardoin SP, Fels E. Vasculitis syndromes. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 161.

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Review Date: 4/20/2013

Reviewed By: Gordon A. Starkebaum, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.

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