Experiences with
Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP)Check if it's Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP)
The main symptom of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a rash with raised red or purple spots. The spots look like small bruises or blood spots.
The rash usually appears on the legs, bottom, tummy, chest or back.
There may be lots of spots or just a few.
You may also have pain or swelling in your joints, such as your knees and ankles. You may also have tummy pain.
- you or your child have a rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it but you do not feel unwell
This could be Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP).
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .
- a rash does not fade when a glass is pressed against it and you feel very unwell – for example, it's painful to look at bright lights or you have a stiff neck
This could be something serious like meningitis.
A&E safety messagingTreatments for Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP)
There's no treatment for Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP). It usually gets better in a few weeks and you can usually just rest at home until you feel better.
HSP cannot spread to others, so:
- your child can return to school or nursery when they feel well enough
- you can go back to work as soon as you feel up to it
Treatment to relieve your symptoms
Paracetamol can help ease any pain.
Do not take ibuprofen without speaking to your doctor because it could harm your kidneys.
Regular check-ups for kidney problems
You'll have regular check-ups for 6 to 12 months to check how well your kidneys are working.
You'll usually be asked to provide a sample of pee and have your blood pressure checked at each appointment. This may be done at home, at your GP surgery, or in hospital.
Treatment in hospital
You may need to go into hospital if HSP affects your kidneys.
In hospital, you may be given strong medicines like steroids to help ease your symptoms.
Risks of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP)
Most people with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) make a full recovery. Any kidney problems usually get better without treatment.
But sometimes HSP can be severe and last several months.
There's also a small chance the kidneys could be permanently damaged (chronic kidney disease). This is why it's important to have regular check-ups.
You can get HSP more than once. Get medical advice quickly if the symptoms come back.
SymptomsMedical treatmentsComplicationsThe main symptom of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a rash with raised red or purple spots. You may also have joint pain or swelling, or tummy pain.
Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) usually gets better with rest. You can take painkillers to ease symptoms. Sometimes you may need steroid medicine.
Most people with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) recover fully, but sometimes it can cause permanent kidney damage or HSP may come back.
Related links
Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP)
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