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Schoenlein Purpura Treatment

Schoenlein purpura is a type of vasculitis, which means that it results from inflammation of the blood vessels. One of the characteristic symptoms of this disease is a rash, which occurs as a result of inflammation of blood vessels near the skin's surface. It is not exactly known what causes this disease but it is thought to be related to the body's immune system reacting to an infection. As a result, the underlying infection that triggers Schoenlein purpura is contagious, but the purpura itself is not.

  1. Watchful Waiting

    • In many cases, Schoenlein purpura will get better on its own. In these cases, a physician will often recommend not doing anything beyond careful monitoring of the symptoms. During this period of time, rest will help with some of the symptoms so care should be taken to avoid putting undue stress on the joints, which will often be swollen and painful. It will also be important to monitor the urine as Schoenlein purpura can also cause kidney problems, which may lead to the presence of blood in the urine.

    Treatment of Infection

    • Because Schoenlein purpura is thought to be caused by an abnormal immune system to an infection, treating the infection may shorten the course of the purpura. Since Schoenlein purpura can be caused by many different types of infections, including bacterial, viral and fungal, it may be difficult to specifically treat the infection unless the purpura was preceded by an infection (such as strep throat) that has already been diagnosed. As a result, physicians may prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat any underlying infections and to give the immune system a boost.

    Anti-inflammatory Medications

    • One of the most common methods of treatment for Schoenlein purpura is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include medications such as acetaminophen (tylenol), aspirin and ibuprofen. These medications are generally used to ease the joint pain associated with purpura and will also help with the inflammation. For more severe cases, especially for patients with intolerable joint or abdominal pain, stronger anti-inflammatory medications may be used, such as corticosteroids. These medications work by suppressing the immune system. Because Schoenlein purpura is thought to be caused by an activated immune system, suppressing the body's immune response should help with the pain and the rash.

    Kidney Problems

    • In the event that blood appears in the urine, a much more aggressive course of treatment will often be indicated. This will include intravenous administration of corticosteroids as well as tests to measure how well the kidneys are functioning. Checking the urine for blood is an important aspect of treatment for Schoenlein purpura, even after the rash has subsided.

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