Most people with Henoch-Schönlein purpura get better in a few weeks and do not have long-term problems.

In Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), small blood vessels in the body become swollen and irritated. These inflamed blood vessels in the skin can leak red blood cells, causing purpura, which is a raised, reddish-purple rash that looks like bruises. The rash usually appears on the legs and buttocks, but can also show up on other parts of the body.

Vessels in the joints, intestines, kidneys, and other parts of the body also can swell and leak. People with HSP may have joint pain, joint swelling, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody urine (pee) or stool (poop), fever, or headache. Boys may have pain and swelling in the scrotum.  In some children, HSP can lead to more serious intestine or kidney problems.

HSP is not contagious. Most children with HSP fully recover within a month and have no long-term problems. Some kids with HSP get it more than once.

• If your child is uncomfortable, a medication may help your child feel better:
  • For children under 6 months, give acetaminophen as directed.
  • For children over 6 months, give acetaminophen as directed; ask your health care provider if you can give ibuprofen.
• Give your child any prescribed medicines as directed.
• Allow your child to get plenty of rest.
• Make sure your child drinks plenty of non-caffeinated fluids.

• Your health care provider will continue to check your child's kidney function and blood pressure over the next several months. Be sure that your child attends all follow-up appointments.

Your child:

• Develops swelling of the joints.
• Has blood in the urine.
• Has pain that is not getting better on the medication prescribed.
• Is not making as much urine as usual.
• Develops new symptoms or seems worse.

Your child:

• Stops eating or drinking.
• Appears dehydrated; signs include dizziness, drowsiness, a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, producing less urine or darker than usual urine, crying with little or no tears.
• Has severe belly or scrotal pain.
• Has chest pain or trouble breathing.
• Has trouble walking or starts behaving unusually.
• Has a seizure.