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Henoch-Schönlein Purpura

Henoch-Schönlein purpura is an abnormal immune system reaction. It causes inflammation and damage to small blood vessels in the skin. This causes a rash, usually in the lower part of the body. The rash looks like bruises or red-purplish spots. It can also affect blood vessels of the joints, intestines, kidneys, and other organs. Henoch-Schönlein purpura is also called allergic purpura.

This reaction most often affects children. It can also affect adults. The exact cause is not known. It may be linked with a recent infection from a virus or bacteria. Some kinds of food or medicines may be a factor. The symptoms get better in 4 to 6 weeks. But they may come back during the next 6 months. This is not a contagious disease. It can't be spread to other people.

Home care

  • Have your child rest at home until they are feeling better.

  • Unless told otherwise, feed your child their normal diet.

  • Unless another medicine was prescribed, you can give your child acetaminophen for fever, fussiness, or pain. In children over 6 months old, you may use children's ibuprofen. Don't give aspirin to children under the age of 19. This is to prevent a serious condition called Reye syndrome.

  • Give your child extra fluids for the first few days. For children under 1 year old, continue regular feedings (formula or breast). Between feedings give an oral rehydration solution. You can buy these from grocery and drug stores. You don't need a prescription. For children over 1 year old, give plenty of fluids like water, juice, gelatin, ginger ale, lemonade, or ice pops.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your child's healthcare provider as advised.

When to get medical care

Call the healthcare provider right away if your child has any of these:

  • Belly (abdominal) pain

  • Symptoms that get worse

  • New symptoms

  • Blood in vomit or stool

  • Pink or brown-colored urine (this may appear up to 3 months after this illness)

  • Coughing up blood

  • Pain in the testicles

  • Headache

  • Chest pain

  • Seizure

  • Fever

  • Change in the level of alertness

Online Medical Reviewer: Diane Horowitz MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed: 5/1/2022
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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