What Causes Henoch-Schonlein Purpura?

Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a disorder that presents as a purple rash and causes inflammation and bleeding in the small blood vessels of the joints, skin, kidneys and intestines. This disorder is commonly found in children and young adults, but can affect anyone. While Henoch-Schonlein purpura generally will clear up by itself, in some cases, medical treatment is necessary.

Cause

• An overzealous immune system response to several different triggers often causes the initial inflammation of the blood vessels, and results in the development of Henoch-Schonlein purpura. These triggers include some viral and bacterial infections such as parvovirus infection and strep throat, yellow fever, cholera, typhoid and measles vaccinations, insect bites, cold weather, some chemicals and some types of antibiotic and antihistamine medications.

Characteristics

• There are four main symptoms and characteristics of Henoch-Schonlein purpura. The most common characteristic is the development of reddish-purple rash, which resembles bruises, on the legs, buttocks, feet, arms, trunk, face and areas of pressure including the waistline and sock line. Some people experience painful, swollen and sore joints in the ankles and knees. Gastrointestinal symptoms are also common; they include vomiting, bloody stools, abdominal pain and nausea. The final characteristic of Henoch-Schonlein purpura is kidney involvement. This characteristic may present as blood or protein in the urine and commonly goes unnoticed. Most people will not experience all four symptoms; however, a person should seek medical attention at the first sign of a symptom.

Diagnosis

• Henoch-Schonlein purpura is easy to diagnose when more than two symptoms are present, but when a person experiences less than two symptoms, a doctor will use a series of laboratory tests to confirm Henoch-Schonlein purpura by ruling out other conditions and disorders. After taking a medical history and conducting a physical exam, a doctor may request blood tests to measure protein and inflammation levels, urine tests to evaluate kidney function, a skin biopsy to examine rashes and blood vessels, a kidney biopsy to confirm signs of severe kidney involvement and imaging studies to rule out other conditions and check for possible complications.

Treatment

• Typically, Henoch-Schonlein purpura will clear up on its own in a maximum of eight weeks without any lasting effects. Doctors will recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory or acetaminophen medication, bed rest and plenty of fluids for discomfort relieving treatment. If a child or young adult is experiencing several abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, sore and painful joints, trouble staying well-hydrated, extensive skin ulcerations or serious kidney problems, hospitalization is necessary.