Henoch-Schonlein purpura

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Definition

Henoch-Schonlein purpura affects the small blood vessels of your skin, joints, intestines and kidneys, causing them to become inflamed and swollen (vasculitis).

Blood vessel inflammation can cause bleeding into your skin. For people with Henoch-Schonlein purpura, the bleeding causes a purplish skin rash (purpura) that can last up to several weeks.

Although Henoch-Schonlein purpura can affect anyone, it's most common in children ages 2 to 11, with 5 to 7 being the ages at which it's most likely to occur. It's the most common vasculitis that occurs in children. Boys are more likely to develop the condition than girls are, and it occurs less frequently in blacks than it does in whites or Asians.

In most cases, Henoch-Schonlein purpura improves on its own within four to six weeks. Medications may ease discomfort from some of the signs and symptoms of Henoch-Schonlein purpura.

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Symptoms