What causes allergic purpura?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Allergic purpura commonly occurs in adolescents and children, characterized by frequent relapses and being intractable. It is primarily seen in youth aged between 5 to 14 years. As they age and their immunity strengthens, the frequency of episodes gradually decreases. The most common causes of allergic purpura include infections such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, mycoplasma infections, and allergies to medications and foods, with food allergies mainly stemming from high-protein foods like fish and shrimp, which can easily trigger allergic reactions. Therefore, once skin purpura or proteinuria appears, it is crucial to rest in bed until the pain and proteinuria dissipate and the purpura eases. During treatment, it is also important to avoid cold exposure and overexertion.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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Can allergic purpura be cured completely?

Allergic purpura is a type of vasculitis that recurs symptomatically, but most cases can be cured with systematic and standardized medication. This disease has complex classifications including skin type, gastrointestinal type, joint type, and renal type. The simple types generally have milder symptoms and are easier to cure; however, complex damages often exhibit a clinical characteristic of being difficult to cure. It is important to rest, control physical activity, and follow a cautious and reasonable diet, avoiding cold foods and seafood. Treatment involves anti-inflammatory measures, improving the permeability of peripheral blood vessels, and supporting immune regulation.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
1min 2sec home-news-image

What causes allergic purpura?

Allergic purpura commonly occurs in adolescents and children, characterized by frequent relapses and being intractable. It is primarily seen in youth aged between 5 to 14 years. As they age and their immunity strengthens, the frequency of episodes gradually decreases. The most common causes of allergic purpura include infections such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, mycoplasma infections, and allergies to medications and foods, with food allergies mainly stemming from high-protein foods like fish and shrimp, which can easily trigger allergic reactions. Therefore, once skin purpura or proteinuria appears, it is crucial to rest in bed until the pain and proteinuria dissipate and the purpura eases. During treatment, it is also important to avoid cold exposure and overexertion.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
47sec home-news-image

Symptoms of allergic purpura

Allergic purpura, which we generally divide into four types. The first type is the mildest, often primarily characterized by purpuric rash-like skin manifestations. The second type we call allergic purpura arthritis type, where patients, in addition to the typical rash, also experience joint pain symptoms. The third type we refer to as the renal type of allergic purpura, where patients often present primarily with hematuria and proteinuria, and urine tests typically indicate positive urinary protein. The fourth type we call the abdominal type of allergic purpura, where patients suffer from nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea as their main clinical manifestations.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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How to deal with abdominal pain from allergic purpura?

The most common clinical manifestations of allergic purpura are bleeding spots on the lower limbs, hematuria, melena, and joint pain. The presence of melena or bloody stools accompanied by abdominal pain often indicates bleeding from the intestinal mucosa. It is recommended to complete a mesenteric vascular color Doppler ultrasound as soon as possible to identify the bleeding sites. At this time, fasting is absolutely necessary, meaning no food or water should be consumed, as this can exacerbate abdominal pain and bleeding. Fasting should continue until the melena and pain are alleviated. If symptoms continue to worsen, surgery may be necessary to prevent intestinal perforation and the onset of acute peritonitis.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Allergic purpura should go to which department?

Allergic purpura requires a visit to the rheumatology and immunology department. It is common in children and adolescents. This condition cannot be cured and tends to recur frequently. The most common causes of allergic purpura include infections, medications, and food allergies, with infections being the most frequent cause, such as bacterial, viral, tuberculosis, and mycoplasma infections. Once allergic purpura occurs, it is necessary to conduct comprehensive tests to ascertain if there is damage to other organs or complications. If proteinuria occurs, aggressive treatment should be pursued, and a 24-hour urine protein quantification should be completed to determine the level of urinary protein. If necessary, a kidney biopsy may be performed to assess the extent of kidney damage. Bed rest is required until the proteinuria improves. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a doctor.)