How to Care for Your Child with a Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura (HSP)

This leaflet will provide you with information about HSP (IgA vasculitis) causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and home care advice.

What is HSP (IgA vasculitis)?

HSP (IgA vasculitis) is a kind of sickness where the blood vessels in your child’s body become swollen and sore. It most commonly occurs in children from 3 to 15 years of age. However, it can occur in all age groups.
It cannot be passed on to other people.
Usually, it goes away on its own in about 4 to 6 weeks without long-term complications.
Children who have had HSP (IgA vasculitis) once might get it again.

The exact cause of HSP is not well known, but it is believed to involve an abnormal immune system response, it is may be triggered by a preceding viral illness such as a sore throat, cough or cold.

Skin rash One of the hallmark signs of HSP is a purplish rash that typically appears on the buttocks, legs, arms and face. It occurs when the small blood vessels become inflamed and swollen to form a small reddish or purple raised spot, sometimes like a small bruise (called Purpura).
Joints pain occur especially in the knees, ankles and elbow joint. This joint pain can range from mild to severe.
Abdominal pain sometimes associated with nausea, vomiting and loose stool.
- In rare cases, an abnormal folding of the bowel called intussusception can occur, this makes a blockage in your child intestines that may need urgent intervention.
- Blood in the stool or urine can occur when the blood vessels in the bowel and kidneys become inflamed, leading to bleeding when your child has a bowel movement or urinates.
Kidney Involvement: In some cases, HSP can affect the kidneys, leading to blood or protein in the urine. This is a serious problem that needs medical attention.

If your child experiences the above symptoms, a healthcare provider will make a diagnosis based on:
- Symptoms: The presence of a purplish rash, joint pain, and abdominal discomfort.
- Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination to check for specific signs associated with HSP.
- Laboratory Tests: Blood and urine tests to assess kidney function and look for markers of inflammation.
- Biopsy (very rarely required): In some cases, a small sample of affected tissue may be examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

There is no specific treatment for HSP (IgA vasculitis).Treatment for HSP focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage joint pain and discomfort.
Rest and Fluids: adequate rest and hydration can support your child recovery.
Corticosteroids: Sometimes in severe cases, doctors may choose to give medicines like steroid (prednisolone) to reduce inflammation, this can help children with severe inflammation.
Follow up appointments:
- Your doctor will advise you on the duration of follow up.
- Your doctor may want to test urine and check your child blood pressure regularly for the first few weeks.
- Once the rash and joint pains have settled, your doctor may want to continue to check urine samples after that to check for any kidney problems.
- The follow up normally continue until there is no blood or protein on the urine test.

To help manage HSP:
- Follow Your child doctor advices: Take any prescribed medications as directed and attend follow-up appointments.
- Keep your child well Hydrated: encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to support your child healing process.
- Rest: Give your child adequate rest to ensure full recovery.
- Watch for complications: Be aware of any changes in symptoms and report them promptly to your doctor.

If your child’s urine is red, rusty or blood colored.
If the joint swelling is very painful and especially if it stops your child walking.
If your child has severe tummy pain
If your child keeps vomiting
If there is blood in your child’s stool.
If your child’s testicles are swollen or painful.
If you feel that your child is not well.