Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a disease that involves purple spots on the skin, joint pain, gastrointestinal problems, and glomerulonephritis (a type of kidney disorder).

Anaphylactoid purpura; Vascular purpura

Henoch-Schonlein is caused by an abnormal response of the immune system. It is unclear why this occurs.

The syndrome is usually seen in children, but it may affect people of any age. It is more common in boys than in girls. Many people with Henoch-Schonlein purpura had an upper respiratory illness in the weeks before.

Images

Henoch-Schonlein purpura

Henoch-Schonlein purpura

Henoch-Schonlein purpura on an infant's legs

Henoch-Schonlein purpura on the legs

Henoch-Schonlein purpura on the lower legs

Henoch-Schonlein purpura on an infant's legs

Henoch-Schonlein purpura

Henoch-Schonlein purpura on an infant's foot

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Henoch Symptoms

Review Date: 06/20/2011
Reviewed By: Neil J. Gonter, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, NY and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)