Henoch-Schönlein purpura (patient information)

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Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Overview

What are the symptoms of Henoch-Schönlein purpura?

What are the causes of Henoch-Schönlein purpura?

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

When to seek urgent medical care?

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Henoch-Schönlein purpura?

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Sources

Henoch-Schönlein purpura On the Web

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

Images of Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Videos on Henoch-Schönlein purpura

FDA on Henoch-Schönlein purpura

CDC on Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Henoch-Schönlein purpura in the news

Blogs on Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Directions to Hospitals Treating Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Risk calculators and risk factors for Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:  Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.

## Overview

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

## What are the symptoms of Henoch-Schönlein purpura?

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

## What causes Henoch-Schönlein purpura?

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

* The syndrome is usually seen in children, but it may affect people of any age. It is more common in boys than in girls. Many people with Henoch-Schonlein purpura had an upper respiratory illness in the weeks before.

## Who is at highest risk?

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## Diagnosis

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* The doctor will examine your body and look at your skin. The physical exam will reveal skin sores (lesions) and joint tenderness.
* Tests may include:

* Skin biopsy
* Urinalysis

## When to seek urgent medical care?

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Call for an appointment with 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

## Treatment options

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There is no specific treatment. Most cases go away on their own without treatment. If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend therapy with corticosteroids such as prednisone.

## Where to find medical care for Henoch-Schönlein purpura?

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Directions to Hospitals Treating Henoch-Schönlein purpura

## What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

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The disease usually gets better on its own without treatment.

## Possible complications

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

## Source

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http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000425.htm

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