What kind of dr treats hsp

In many fewer cases, primarily in adults, HSP can progress from hematuria blood in the urine to renal insufficiency decreased kidney function. HSP patients who experience this symptom should be followed more closely, with regular testing of their urine for blood and protein.

Figure 4. Palpable purpura. Here they are occurring in a very dense pattern with coalescing lesions. Figure 5. Swelling around the hand and wrist. Although arthralgias are more common in HSP, arthritis can occur as well as periarticular swelling, such as the tenosynovitis shown here.

Figure 7. Palpable purpura can appear in many different patterns. Sufficient pressure, such as this, causes the rupture of inflamed blood vessels. Figure 8. CT of abdomen showing bowel edema. This image is of a distended large bowel. Figure 9. This picture shows immunofluorescence testing of a skin biopsy, IgA positive. HSP can occur at any time of the year, though it is more common in the winter.

The exact cause of HSP is unknown. In some patients, the symptoms start after an upper respiratory tract infection or cold, but HSP is not contagious. Inflammation in the blood vessel wall leads to bleeding into the skin, which causes the rash of HSP.

Bleeding into the stool and urine can also occur. There is no specific test to diagnose HSP. It is diagnosed based on recognition of the classic symptoms, and exclusion of other conditions that can cause a similar rash.

In many children with a classic rash, minimal testing is needed to establish a diagnosis of HSP. The rash is necessary for the diagnosis of HSP but is not always the first symptom to appear. When joint pain, swelling, or abdominal pain start before appearance of the rash, diagnosis can be challenging.

Tests in children with suspected HSP depend on the patient, but might include the following:. Most children with HSP do not require any specific treatment and recover with time alone.

Joint pain can often be controlled with rest and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Steroids given by mouth or through an IV infusion are typically given for severe abdominal pain. Your doctor can discuss if steroids would be necessary in your child. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may help shorten the time and intensity of joint and abdominal pain.

Because these drugs can have serious side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of using them with your doctor. Home care focuses on keeping people with mild Henoch-Schonlein purpura comfortable while the disease runs its course. Rest, plenty of fluids and over-the-counter pain relievers may help. You'll likely first see your family doctor or your child's pediatrician for this condition. You may later be referred to a kidney specialist nephrologist if kidney complications develop.

Here's some information that may help you get ready for your appointment. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. They also may order blood tests to check for kidney problems, a urine test to look for blood or protein, and a stool test to check for blood in the poop.

Medical care is more likely to be needed if HSP involves the kidneys. At home, try to keep your child as comfortable as possible. Be sure they get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. A child with HSP who stops eating or drinking or gets severe belly pain or kidney problems might need treatment in a hospital.

In most cases, this is mild and clears up without treatment. But a few children will develop kidney failure. HSP can cause intussusception. This is when one part of the bowel slides into another, blocking and cutting off the blood supply of the affected portion.