What is it about ?
Henoch-Schönlein purpura is inflammation of the small blood vessels in the skin, intestines and / or kidneys (mainly). The term “purpura” refers to the spontaneous onset of bleeding in the skin. Henoch and Schönlein are the two German doctors who first described the disease.
Henoch-Schönlein purpura is not a disease, but rather a symptom. It can be a sign of several conditions. We do not know exactly why this inflammation occurs. Often the person has had an infection shortly before. It is believed to be an autoimmune reaction. The infection disrupts the immune system and the immune system starts attacking tissues in the body.
Where and how often?
This symptom occurs mostly in children 2 to 10 years old, and mainly in boys during the winter. Usually, there is only one flare-up of purpura, but sometimes the attacks can be repeated throughout life.
How to recognize it?
This condition is often preceded by a bacterial or viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, windpipe). Small, red, tender patches appear on the skin and gradually turn brownish. They can be dot-shaped, but you can also see extensive bruising. They do not disappear when pressed with your finger. These spots develop mainly in the lower legs and on the buttocks.
Three in four children with purpura have painful, hot and swollen joints, especially in the knees or ankles, but sometimes also in the wrists and elbows. One in two children also suffer from stomach aches (1 in 10 children even have severe cramps with bloody diarrhea) and blood and / or protein in the urine, which makes them reddish in color. These signs indicate kidney damage which may be accompanied by fluid retention (edema) usually around the ankles and eyelids, high blood pressure (hypertension) and kidney failure.
How is the diagnosis made?
If the doctor sees extensive bleeding on the skin, he will always do additional tests because there may be bleeding elsewhere than in the skin. Damage to the blood vessels of internal organs (intestines and kidneys) is also possible and can cause bleeding. A situation that can cause severe complications. Therefore, the doctor will always perform a complete blood test, urinalysis, throat smear with bacterial culture and other technical examinations if necessary (eg ultrasound). Sometimes a small piece of skin may also need to be examined in the laboratory (skin biopsy) to confirm the diagnosis. If kidney damage is suspected, you will be referred to a kidney specialist (nephrologist).
What can you do ?
If you notice rashes that do not go away, do not waste time and see the doctor quickly. Additional examinations are always necessary.
What can your doctor do?
If the complaints to the stomach and / or joints remain moderate, rest and pain relief with paracetamol are sufficient. Your doctor may find an underlying bacterial infection (such as sore throat or sinusitis) and can treat it if needed.
The doctor will check you for possible complications, such as inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis). It is a specialist who will have to treat it. Kidney function will continue to be monitored at regular intervals through blood and urine tests. Good follow-up is also essential during pregnancy.
Want to know more?
- Blood test explained to children – plaster
- Urinalysis explained to children – Plaster
- My child is going to have an ultrasound – Plaster
Source