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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
There are three main symptoms of Henoch-Schonlein purpura, although not everyone with the disease develops all three. They include:
- Rash (purpura). Reddish-purple spots, which look like bruises, are the most distinctive and universal symptom of Henoch-Schonlein purpura. The rash develops mainly on the buttocks, legs and feet, but it can also appear on the arms, face and trunk and may be worse in areas of pressure, such as the sock line and waistline.
- Abdominal pain. More than half of children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura develop severe abdominal pain. Other gastrointestinal symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and bloody stools.
- Swollen, sore joints (arthritis). People with Henoch-Schonlein purpura often have painful, swollen joints — mainly in the knees and ankles. These symptoms subside when the disease clears and leave no lasting damage.
Kidney problems
Sometimes, kidney problems can be a serious complication of the disease. In that case, the primary signs of kidney problems are blood and protein in the urine. In some cases, urinary blood (hematuria) may be visible only under a microscope.
When to see a doctor
In some cases, Henoch-Schonlein purpura causes serious problems of the bowel or kidneys. See your doctor or your child's pediatrician as soon as possible if you notice the distinctive rash and other symptoms.
- Kraft DM, et al. Henoch-Schonlein purpura: A review. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://www.aafp.org/afp/980800ap/kraft.html. Accessed Aug. 10, 2008.
- Dedeoglu F, et al. Management of Henoch-Schonlein purpura. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 10, 2008.
- Dedeoglu F, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Aug. 17, 2008.
- Gibson KL, et al. Corticosteroid therapy for Henoch-Schonlein purpura. Pediatrics. 2008;121(4):870-871.
- Henoch-Schonlein purpura. Vasculitis Foundation. http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/HenochSchonleinpurpura. Accessed Aug. 10, 2008.
- Weiss PF, et al. Effects of corticosteroid on Henoch-Schonlein purpura: A systematic review. Pediatrics. 2007;120(5):1079-1087.
- Henoch-Schonlein Purpura. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Clearinghouse. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/HSP. Accessed Aug. 10, 2008.
