Purpura is a non-contagious skin rash resulting from inflamed blood vessels in the skin. There are two types of purpura which can be found in anyone, from infants to adults. Both disorders are usually not life-threatening and normally disappear without any treatment.
Types
Idiopathic thromobocytopenic purpura, also known as ITP, is a blood-clotting disorder that may lead to excessive bleeding and bruising. This disorder results from low platelet levels.
Henoch-Schonlein purpura, or HSP, is a type of disorder that causes blood vessel inflammation. This inflammation causes bleeding in the small blood vessels in the skin, intestines, kidneys and joints.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ITP include excessive bruising, superficial bleeding into the skin on the lower legs, prolonged bleeding from cuts and blood in stools or urine.
Symptoms of HSP include a purplish rash that mostly occurs on the lower legs and buttocks, but may also appear on the feet, arms, face and trunk. Abdominal pain along with nausea and vomiting are also a symptom. Bloody stools are a symptom for more than half of children with this disorder, according to Mayo Clinic. Painful knee and ankle joints is a symptom of this disorder that will go away when the disease clears, and will leave no lasting damage. Kidney problems may also be a result of HSP.
Causes
The cause of ITP includes an immune system malfunction in which the immune system attacks platelets and removes them from the body. Children often develop ITP after a viral infection, such as the flu or the mumps.
Some triggers of HSP include viral and bacterial infections, such as strep throat and parvovirus. According to Mayo Clinic, about half of children with this disorder develop it after an upper respiratory infection. Other triggers include insect bites, medications such as antibiotics and antihistamines, and vaccinations including measles, typhoid, yellow fever and cholera.
Treatment
According to Mayo Clinic, 80 percent of children with ITP recover completely within six months and the others recover within a few years. ITP usually needs to run its course without the need for treatment.
HSP usually improves on its own in four to six weeks. Treatment is usually to relieve any discomfort and prevent complications. Treatment includes bed rest, fluids and ibuprofen. If your child's kidneys are affected he will need medical care to prevent serious problems.
Considerations
If your infant is experiencing any of the symptoms of purpura you should contact your doctor immediately. It is important to follow the recommendations of your doctor and to take your child for follow-up urine tests for as long as your doctor has recommended. This will help alert your doctor to any serious kidney complications.
