Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

Henoch-Schönlein purpura, often called IgA vasculitis, is a condition where the tiny blood vessels throughout the body – in the skin, joints, gut, and kidneys – become inflamed and leak.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a condition with four main signs:

1. Skin rash: Small reddish-purple spots, like bruises, often appear on the buttocks, legs, and feet. The rash can also show up on the arms, face, and torso, and might be more noticeable where skin is pressed, like on the waistline or under socks.

2. Joint pain and swelling: Many people with HSP have sore and swollen joints, particularly in the knees and ankles. Sometimes, joint pain happens a week or two before the rash appears. These joint problems usually get better as the illness resolves, and don't typically cause long-term problems.

3. Stomach problems: Belly pain, nausea, vomiting, and even bloody stools can be common in children with HSP. These digestive issues sometimes occur before the rash.

4. Kidney problems: HSP can affect the kidneys. Often, this involves proteins or blood in the urine. You might not notice these changes unless a urine test is done. Usually, kidney problems go away with the illness, but sometimes, people develop long-term kidney problems.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a condition where tiny blood vessels in the body become inflamed. This inflammation can lead to bleeding under the skin, in the belly area (abdomen), and sometimes in the kidneys. Doctors don't fully understand why this inflammation starts. It might be the body's immune system reacting in a way that's not quite right to something that triggered it.

Many people with HSP have it after getting a common illness like a cold or the flu (upper respiratory infection). Other things that might trigger HSP include chickenpox, strep throat, measles, hepatitis, certain medicines, specific foods, bug bites, or even exposure to cold weather.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a condition that mostly affects kids. Several things seem to make some children more likely to get it.

Age: Children under 10 are most often diagnosed with HSP. This means that it's a disease that's usually seen in younger kids.

Gender: Boys are a little more likely to get HSP than girls. The difference isn't huge, but it's a noticeable factor.

Background: Children of white or Asian descent seem to have a slightly higher risk of developing HSP compared to Black children. It's important to note that this doesn't mean Black children are completely immune, just that the risk is a little lower.

These factors don't guarantee a child will get HSP, but they do suggest a possible increased likelihood. If you have any concerns about your child's health, it's always best to talk to a doctor.

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) usually gets better within a month, and most people recover completely without any lasting issues. However, the condition can sometimes come back.

HSP can sometimes lead to problems. The most serious of these is kidney damage. This is more likely to happen in adults than children. In some cases, the kidney damage is so severe that a person needs a machine to filter their blood (dialysis) or a new kidney (transplant).

Less commonly, HSP can cause a blockage in the intestines. This happens when part of the intestine folds into itself, like a telescope, preventing food from moving through properly. This is called intussusception.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is diagnosed by a doctor when a person has the typical signs: a rash, joint pain, and digestive problems. If someone is missing one of these symptoms, the doctor might need more tests.

No single lab test confirms HSP. Instead, tests help rule out other illnesses and make HSP a strong possibility. These tests might include:

• Looking for IgA: People with HSP often have a protein called immunoglobulin A (IgA) in places where the disease is affecting their body. A small skin sample can be tested to look for this protein.

• Kidney Biopsy (if needed): If the kidneys are seriously affected, a small piece of kidney tissue might be taken for testing. This helps doctors decide on the best treatment.

• Ultrasound (if needed): If there's abdominal pain, an ultrasound can help rule out other causes and check for problems like a blocked bowel.

• Blood Tests: If the doctor isn't sure based on symptoms, blood tests can provide more information.

• Urine Tests: Urine tests check for blood, protein, or other unusual things that could show how well the kidneys are working.

These tests help doctors determine if the person has HSP and what the best course of treatment is. It's important to remember that a diagnosis of HSP is based on a combination of symptoms and test results, not just one specific test.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a condition that often clears up on its own within a month. This means it usually doesn't cause long-term problems. To help with the symptoms, getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids, and using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful.

Sometimes, corticosteroids, like prednisone, might be used to make the joint and stomach pain go away faster and be less severe. However, these powerful medications can have side effects, so it's important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking them. Your doctor will weigh the potential benefits against the possible side effects to decide if corticosteroids are the right choice for you.

In rare cases, a part of the intestines might fold in on itself (intussusception) or even rupture. If this happens, surgery might be necessary to fix the problem.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a condition that can cause discomfort. Home care for HSP focuses on making people who have it feel more comfortable while their body fights off the illness. This usually involves getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as needed. These steps can help ease the symptoms and discomfort associated with HSP.