Symptoms of allergic purpura

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on February 28, 2025
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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 Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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What should I do if I have allergic purpura and my legs hurt?

Patients with allergic purpura who experience leg pain indicate the development of the arthritic type of allergic purpura. Firstly, strict bed rest should be enforced in daily life to reduce the burden on the joints. Secondly, active treatment of the primary cause of allergic purpura should be pursued, which can include taking medications like desloratadine dispersible tablets to reduce the rash. Subsequently, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, can be taken to alleviate leg pain. If the symptoms do not significantly improve with these measures, the use of a small dose of corticosteroids may be considered if necessary. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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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
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Precursors of recurrent allergic purpura

The precursors of a relapse of allergic purpura typically occur in patients after exposure to cold, strenuous exercise, or allergens, manifesting as purpuric rash on the skin. Additionally, some patients may experience gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. More severe cases can present with symptoms of allergic purpura and purpura nephritis, primarily characterized by edema and significant proteinuria indicated in routine urine tests. If patients experience the aforementioned symptoms, it is crucial to be vigilant about the possibility of a relapse of allergic purpura and to seek medical attention promptly to prevent further progression of the disease.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Can allergic purpura be cured completely?

Allergic purpura is a special type of vasculitis and also a hypersensitivity disorder. It commonly occurs in adolescents and children aged 5 to 14, with a higher incidence rate in the spring and autumn seasons. The disease frequently relapses and cannot be completely cured. The most common causes of allergic purpura include infections, medications, and foods. Infections are the most frequent cause, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, tuberculosis, etc. If it is merely a cutaneous form, no special treatment is required at this time, and bed rest alone can alleviate the condition. If there is the presence of blood or protein in the urine, and renal biopsy shows a large number of crescents, it then indicates a serious aggravation of the condition.