Allergic purpura, is a form of inflammation of the blood vessels, is a disease characterized by inflammation of the small arterial vessels (capillaries) in the skin, kidneys, and intestinal tract.
Most people affected with allergic purpura are children between ages 2-11 and are more common in boys than in girls.
Although the exact cause of the disease is unknown, it often develops following a recent viral or bacterial infection of the respiratory tract and is an abnormal reaction of the immune system to the infection.
What are the common signs and symptoms of allergic purpura?
1. Rash – the initial appearance may resemble hives, with small red spots or bumps on the lower legs, buttocks, knees, and elbows. But these change to appear more like bruises. The rash usually affects both sides of the body equally and does not turn pale on pressing.
2. Joint pain and swelling that usually lasts for only a few days.
6. Headache
7. Muscular aches and pains
8. Rarely the brain, heart, or lungs, may be affected.
How is allergic purpura treated?
Most cases of allergic purpura resolve completely without treatment. However, if serious complications exist, a hospital stay with supportive treatment is usually required.
For joint pain, non-aspirin pain relievers may alleviate the pain. Corticosteroids (such as prednisone) are sometimes used to alleviate gastrointestinal tract inflammation but have not been shown to be effective for associated kidney problems.
Kidney involvement requires monitoring and correction of blood fluids and electrolytes. Salt intake should be restricted.
Can we prevent allergic purpura from developing?
So, if the initiating trigger for the allergic purpura is identified in an affected child, everything possible should be done to ensure that the child is not exposed to that substance again. If the cause is thought to be a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, prophylactic antibiotic treatment is sometimes given once the infection has been treated to prevent recurrence.
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