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. Credit: John Watney/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/618969/view There may be lots of spots or just a few. Credit: DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/260662/view You may also have pain or swelling in your joints, such as your knees and ankles. You may also have tummy pain. Credit: Don't Forget the Bubbles - Skin Deep: https://dftbskindeep.com/all-diagnoses/henoch-schonlein-purpura/#!jig[1]/ML/872

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.

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. Important: Getting HSP again You can get HSP more than once. Get medical advice quickly if the symptoms come back.