Does allergic purpura cause itchy skin?

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on January 07, 2025
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The skin of patients with allergic purpura generally does not show symptoms of itching, although it is called allergic purpura. However, the main clinical manifestations are inflammation of the capillaries at the extremities of the lower limbs, accompanied by a characteristic rash, without noticeable symptoms of skin itching. If a patient with allergic purpura also has symptoms of skin itching, it may be necessary to consider whether there is a concurrent allergic dermatitis or similar condition. Besides the typical purpuric rash on both lower limbs, some patients with allergic purpura may also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and these symptoms are referred to as the gastrointestinal type of allergic purpura. Some patients may experience joint pain, which belongs to the joint type of allergic purpura, and others may present with proteinuria, which belongs to the renal type of allergic purpura.

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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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Mild symptoms of allergic purpura

Allergic purpura mainly includes three pathological types. The symptoms of the mild type mainly involve changes in the skin, primarily purpura-like rashes around the lower legs and ankle joints. If there are only skin lesions, it is considered a very mild case of allergic purpura. Additionally, more severe cases may involve kidney impairment, such as the presence of protein in the urine. Some patients primarily experience joint pain, also known as the arthritic type. Another group of patients presents mainly with sudden abdominal pain, primarily known as the abdominal type. Therefore, mild symptoms of allergic purpura might just be typical rashes. As long as there is no involvement of the visceral system, it is considered relatively mild.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Does allergic purpura spread to others?

Firstly, allergic purpura is neither a genetic nor a contagious disease, so there is no need to worry about it being inherited or transmitted to others. It is an allergic reaction caused by drugs, food, or infections, typically manifested by bleeding and bruising on the skin and mucous membranes of the limbs, joint pain, and hematuria. Diagnosis requires the combination of clinical manifestations and related tests such as urinalysis. If it is merely a case of the skin type, it only necessitates bed rest and observation of the number and extent of bleeding points on the skin and mucous membranes without special treatment. If there are symptoms like black stools or proteinuria, bed rest is imperative along with the use of anti-allergy medications or corticosteroids to enhance treatment, continuing until the proteinuria resolves.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Can people with allergic purpura take baths?

Patients with allergic purpura can take baths, but the water temperature should not be too hot. This is because excessive heat or vigorous exercise can potentially trigger a recurrence of allergic purpura. Additionally, patients should avoid getting cold to reduce the risk of infection, as infections can also provoke episodes of allergic purpura. During an episode of allergic purpura, it is necessary to take some anti-allergy medications and medications that reduce rashes, such as desloratadine dispersible tablets and compound glycyrrhizin tablets. If there is significant involvement of vital organs, such as the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract, some patients may also need to use corticosteroids. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Do you need to be hospitalized for allergic purpura?

Whether patients with allergic purpura need to be hospitalized mainly depends on the severity of their condition. For mild cases of allergic purpura, also known as purely dermal allergic purpura, where the main clinical manifestation is a rash primarily on the lower limbs, outpatient treatment is sufficient. However, if the patient has gastrointestinal or renal types of allergic purpura, hospitalization is required. The gastrointestinal type of allergic purpura involves significant symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, while the renal type is characterized by symptoms like edema and significant proteinuria. If allergic purpura affects internal organs, the digestive tract, or kidneys, hospital treatment is necessary.