Allergic Purpura (Henoch-Schonlein Purpura)

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP), or Allergic Purpura, is a blood vessel inflammation or vasculitis. There are many conditions that can be named vasculitis, but all involve certain blood vessels where HSP affects the vessels known as capillaries in the skin and the kidneys. The result of this is a skin rash, joint inflammation and sometimes, though not always, cramping pain in the abdomen.

HSP usually occurs after a throat infection or infection of breathing passages, though it can also be triggered by drugs. It can happen at any age but is most common in childhood.

Symptoms of HSP

Normally it involves a skin rash, abdomen cramps and joint inflammation though not all of these need be present. The ankles and knees are most commonly affected, and patients may also develop a fever. Rarely there may also be serious kidney complications due to the swelling of blood vessels in that area.

Treatment of HSP

The illness can often resolve itself, though it may also in some cases cause serious problems for the kidney and bowels. If this is the case then treatment is always directed towards the most affected area. For example ibuprofen is used to relieve the inflammation causing pain in the joints, and drugs such as cortisone will be prescribed to those experiencing abdominal pains or any kidney disease. If there is an infection this may require antibiotics.

The prognosis for the condition is excellent and most patients will suffer no long terms consequences. Long-term kidney damage is extremely rare, and some patients may have a recurrence of symptoms for a couple of years.