If your child has a strange rash, stomach pain or swollen joints, you might wonder if it's an allergy, a virus or something more serious. One condition that can cause these symptoms is Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP).
If you're worried about these symptoms, Banner Children’s is here to help. Our pediatric providers understand how stressful it can be when your child is sick and you don't have clear answers. Our team will guide you through diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care.
Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), also known as IgA vasculitis, is a condition where small blood vessels get inflamed. This causes blood to leak into the skin, joints, digestive system and kidneys.
HSP is the most common type of vasculitis in children. It mostly happens between ages 3 and 10. Boys get it more often than girls. Adults can get it but it’s less common.
In HSP, the inflammation is linked to a antibody in the immune system called IgA. Sometimes after a cold or other infection, the immune system overreacts and can attack normal parts of our body like blood vessels. This causes the small blood vessel swelling and leakage associated with HSP.
HSP is not contagious. Your child cannot catch it from someone else and they cannot pass it on.
It’s not clear why children get HSP but in many cases it happens after:
Less often, HSP may follow:
It’s important to remember that, as a parent, you did not cause this condition. HSP is not linked to anything you did or did not do for your child. There is no way to prevent or predict HSP.
The signs of Henoch-Schönlein purpura can be different in each child. Some children might have mild symptoms, while others may feel very sick at first. Common signs include:
A rash is usually the first and most obvious symptom. It consists of raised spots called purpura. These spots often appear on the legs, buttocks and feet. Sometimes, they can also show up on the face, arms, back and stomach. The rash patches can look like bruises. When you press on the rash, it doesn’t go away.
The rash can be trick to identify. You might think it is bruising or a serious bleeding problem. But in HSP the rash happens because of inflamed blood vessels, not an injury.
Learn about other common rashes in children.
Many children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura experience joint pain, especially in the knees and ankles. Your child might limp, complain of pain or have swollen joints. The pain can come and go and may move from one joint to another. The good news is that, for most children, HSP does not cause permanent joint damage.
HSP can affect blood vessels in the stomach and intestines. This may cause stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. It can also lead to black, tarry or bloody stools.
The pain might be mild or severe. Some children double over in pain. If your child has severe stomach pain, call your health care provider immediately.
In rare cases, HSP can cause a serious problem called intussusception, which is when part of the intestine slides into another part. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
The kidneys can also be affected by HSP. At first, there may be no obvious symptoms. Your child’s provider might find blood or protein in the urine during a checkup. You could also see swelling in your child’s hands, feet or face or notice dark-colored urine.
Most children with HSP have only mild kidney issues. But kidney problems are the most serious long-term concern, so follow-up visits are very important.
Call your child’s provider if your child has:
A purple rash on the legs or butt
Go to the emergency room if your child has:
There is no single test for Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Your child’s provider will diagnose it based on:
Common tests may include:
The rash and symptoms are usually enough to make a diagnosis. The provider will also check for other conditions that can cause similar rashes or symptoms.
There is no specific cure for Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Treatment focuses on easing symptoms and watching for complications.
If your child has mild symptoms, treatment may include:
Your provider may suggest avoiding certain medicines (such as ibuprofen) if there are kidney concerns.
If your child has severe belly pain, joint pain or kidney involvement, treatment may include:
Steroids do not cure HSP. However, they can help relieve severe symptoms more quickly.
Even if your child starts feeling better, urine tests might still be done for weeks or months to see how the kidneys are working. In rare, serious cases of kidney damage, your child may need to see a kidney specialist.
Most children with HSP recover fully within four to six weeks. The rash might go away and then come back once or twice. This can be frustrating but it often happens. Joint pain and stomach pain usually get better within days to weeks.
Kidney changes may last longer. Even if your child feels better, follow-up visits are important. Your provider will likely:
Most of the time, kidney problems are mild and go away on their own. A few children might develop long-term kidney problems but this is rare. That's why it's very important to have regular urine tests and blood pressure checks.
When your child has Henoch-Schönlein purpura, they may feel tired and uncomfortable. You can help by:
In some children, HSP comes back. Usually, it happens within a few months after the first episode. A second episode is often less serious. Still, you should call your provider if symptoms return.
At Banner Children’s, we provide coordinated care for children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Your child may see several specialists, including:
Our team works together to monitor symptoms, track kidney health and support your family at every step. Make an appointment today with a Banner Children’s provider.
Sign in to Patient Account
