Learn about Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP), a type of small vessel vasculitis. Understand its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and how to manage life with HSP in both children and adults.
This page is meant as an educational resource only. For professional advice, please consult your doctor.
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Overview
What is Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP)?
- HSP is a condition where small blood vessels become inflamed and leak, leading to a purplish rash (purpura), joint pain, abdominal symptoms, and sometimes kidney problems.
- It is a form of small vessel vasculitis and often affects the skin, joints, intestines, and kidneys.
Who is affected?
- Most common in children aged 3–15 years, but can occur in adults too.
- Boys are slightly more affected than girls.
Causes and Risk Factors
Why does it happen?
- Often follows an upper respiratory tract infection.
- The immune system becomes overactive, attacking the body’s own small blood vessels.
Are certain people more at risk?
- Children (especially boys)
- Individuals with recent bacterial or viral infections
- Those with a family history of autoimmune conditions (rare)
Symptoms
What are the common signs and symptoms?
- Purplish skin rash (especially on legs and buttocks)
- Joint pain and swelling (knees and ankles commonly)
- Tummy pain and vomiting
- Blood in urine or stool (indicating kidney or bowel involvement)
- Fatigue and low-grade fever
Diagnosis
How is it diagnosed?
- Usually based on clinical signs (especially the rash).
- No single test confirms it, but investigations rule out other conditions.
What tests are commonly done?
- Urine test (to check for blood/protein)
- Blood tests (inflammation markers, kidney function)
- Skin or kidney biopsy (only if needed, especially in adults or severe cases)
Treatment Options
What are the treatment choices?
- Most cases resolve on their own within a few weeks.
- Pain relief with paracetamol or NSAIDs for joint pain.
- Steroids may be used in severe cases (e.g. bad tummy pain, kidney issues).
- Hospital admission for complications like kidney involvement or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Are there any advanced or investigational therapies?
- None usually needed; treatment is supportive.
- In rare, severe, or relapsing cases, immunosuppressive therapy may be considered.
Dietary Advice
What to eat and what to avoid:
- No specific diet, but during episodes of abdominal pain:
- Soft, bland foods (e.g. porridge, rice, toast)
- Avoid spicy, greasy, or fibrous foods temporarily
Nutrition tips to support recovery:
- Stay well-hydrated
- Ensure balanced meals to aid immune recovery
Common supplements and interactions:
- Supplements usually not required unless advised
- Check with your doctor before taking NSAIDs with steroids
Food safety or drug-food interactions:
- If on steroids, avoid high-sugar/salty foods to reduce side effects
Living with the Condition
Managing daily activities:
- Rest during acute episodes
- Return to normal activities as symptoms improve
Exercise, lifestyle, and emotional well-being:
- Gentle activity helps with joint stiffness
- Reassurance: most children recover fully
- Adults may need closer follow-up for kidney issues
Tips for long-term monitoring and follow-up:
- Follow-up urine tests for several months to monitor kidney function
- Alert your doctor if blood appears in urine or if swelling develops
FAQs
1. Is Henoch-Schönlein Purpura contagious?
No. It is not infectious, although it may follow a viral infection.
2. Will it come back again?
Relapse occurs in about 1 in 3 people, usually within a few months. Relapses tend to be milder.
3. Can it cause long-term damage?
Most recover fully, but a small percentage (especially adults) may develop chronic kidney problems.
4. Can adults get HSP?
Yes, though less common. Adults may have more severe symptoms and need closer kidney monitoring.
5. What should I do if my child has a rash and tummy pain?
Seek medical attention to rule out serious causes and confirm diagnosis.
Call to Action
When to contact a doctor:
- New or worsening rash, especially with pain
- Blood in urine or stool
- Swelling in legs or face
- High fever or ongoing vomiting