Patient education: IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein purpura) (The Basics)

What is IgA vasculitis? — IgA vasculitis, which used to be known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura ("HSP"), is a condition that usually causes a rash. It is often called just "IgAV."

The rash looks like tiny raised bruises (picture 1). IgAV tends to affect children between the ages of 3 and 15, but it can affect adults, too. The symptoms of IgAV usually go away on their own in about a month.

What are the symptoms of IgAV? — Symptoms can include:

●A rash that looks like tiny raised bruises (picture 1)

●Joint pain

●Swelling around the joints

●Belly pain and upset stomach

The rash caused by IgAV is usually the first symptom. If the rash is mild or goes away quickly, it can be hard to notice. Sometimes, the first symptoms are joint pain and swelling around the joints.

Some children also have symptoms affecting the stomach or intestines. For example, some children have nausea or vomiting. Others can have more serious problems, including something called "intussusception." This is when the intestine folds into itself like a telescope. This can cause a blockage in the intestine and severe belly pain.

IgAV can also cause problems with the kidneys (especially in adults), scrotum (in boys), and other organs.

IgAV usually causes symptoms only for a month or so. Then, it goes away without causing any long-term problems. Some people, though, have longer lasting kidney problems.

Is there a test for IgAV? — There are tests that can help diagnose IgAV, but they are not always needed. When IgAV causes the typical rash (picture 1), doctors and nurses can usually tell what it is just by looking at the rash and doing a routine exam.

If a doctor or nurse is unsure about whether IgAV is the problem, they can order a "biopsy." For this, a doctor or nurse takes a small sample of tissue to look at under a microscope. The sample can come from a part of the skin that has the rash or, less often, from the kidneys.

If you or your child has IgAV, the doctor or nurse will also want to do urine tests and blood pressure checks about once a week for a month or 2. This is to check for signs of kidney problems.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — Yes. If you or your child develops symptoms of IgAV, see a doctor or nurse.

How is IgAV treated? — Treatment mostly involves getting plenty of fluids, resting, and taking medicines to control pain, if needed. Most people can stay at home until they get better. People who have severe symptoms sometimes need to be treated at the hospital.

To manage joint or belly pain, doctors recommend medicines called NSAIDs. These include naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve) and ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin). People who do not get enough relief from NSAIDs sometimes get other medicines called steroids, which help relieve inflammation.

More on this topic

Patient education: Vasculitis (Beyond the Basics)