Diagnosis
A healthcare professional typically can diagnose Henoch-Schonlein purpura based on the rash, especially if there's also joint pain and digestive tract symptoms. But sometimes one or more of the following tests may be needed.
Lab tests
No single laboratory test can confirm Henoch-Schonlein purpura. But some tests can help rule out other conditions and make a diagnosis of Henoch-Schonlein more likely. They include:
- Blood tests. Blood tests may be done if a diagnosis isn't clear based on symptoms.
- Urine tests. Urine tests may be done to check if protein or other substances are in the blood. This can help show if the kidneys are working properly.
Biopsies
People who have Henoch-Schonlein purpura often have a specific type of protein called immunoglobulin A in the parts of the body affected by the illness. This protein also is called IgA. To check for that protein, your healthcare professional may take a small sample of skin to test in a lab. This test is called a biopsy. In people who have serious kidney involvement, a kidney biopsy may be needed.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to make pictures of the body. An ultrasound can help rule out other causes of belly pain. Ultrasound also can be used to check for other health concerns, such as a bowel obstruction.
Treatment
Henoch-Schonlein purpura usually goes away on its own within a month with no lasting health concerns. Rest, plenty of fluids and pain relievers you can buy without a prescription may help ease symptoms.
Medicines
If joint pain or belly pain is serious, your healthcare professional may suggest taking a corticosteroid medicine, such as prednisone, to ease the pain. Because these medicines can have serious side effects, talk about the risks and benefits of using them with your healthcare professional before you start taking them.
Surgery
If Henoch-Schonlein purpura causes a section of the bowel to fold into itself or develop a hole, surgery may be needed.
Self care
For most people with mild Henoch-Schonlein purpura, self-care steps at home are all that's needed while the illness runs its course. Rest, plenty of fluids and pain relievers you can buy without a prescription may help.
Preparing for your appointment
You'll likely first see your family healthcare professional or your child's pediatrician for Henoch-Schonlein purpura. You may later be referred to a kidney specialist, called a nephrologist, if health concerns in the kidneys develop. Here's some information to help you get ready for the appointment.
What you can do
When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything to do beforehand, such as not eating or drinking before having a specific test.
Make a list of:
- Symptoms you have or your child has, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment.
- Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
- All medicines, vitamins or other supplements you take or your child takes, including the doses.
- Questions to ask your healthcare professional.
Take along a family member or friend, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.
Questions you may want to ask your healthcare professional include:
- What might be causing these symptoms?
- What tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis?
- Is this condition temporary or will it last a long time?
- How will I know if there's kidney damage? What if it develops later?
- How is Henoch-Schonlein purpura treated?
- What are the side effects of treatment?
- What self-care steps might help?
- Are there brochures or other printed material I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?
What to expect from your doctor
Your healthcare professional is likely to ask a number of questions, such as:
- Did the symptoms start slowly or quickly?
- Did the rash appear after an illness?
- What did the rash look like when it first started?
- Is the rash painful? Does it itch?
- Are other symptoms involved, such as belly pain or aching joints?
