Allergic vasculitis is a severe allergy that causes inflammation and damage to blood vessels of the skin. It is a common pediatric disease, affecting children and infants, but adults can experience the symptoms as well. Foods and medications can be passed to your infant through the breast milk and can trigger a reaction. Consult your pediatrician if you believe your infant is having an allergic reaction.
Identification
Allergic vasculitis, also known as hypersensitivity vasculitis, is caused by an allergic reaction or drug reaction. With allergic vasculitis, many people experience inflammation of the small veins, capillaries and arteries. Although the skin is most commonly affected, internal organs can also experience inflammation. Common symptoms include skin lesions, blisters, purple-colored spots, hives and open sores. In most cases, the vasculitis is not life-threatening or irreversible.
Breast Milk
Many substances can travel through your bloodstream to your breast milk. Still, most infants don’t experience food allergies from breast milk. If you notice that your infant is displaying symptoms of allergic vasculitis after you have eaten a specific food, however, avoid that food. Any medications or herbs that you take, including over-the-counter medications, can also be passed to your baby through breast milk. Your infant could display an allergic reaction to any drugs or herbs.
Treatment
Treatment of allergic vasculitis will depend on the cause. In 50 percent of patients with allergic vasculitis, no cause is identified, according to a 1992 study published in "Annales de Pediatrie." In many cases, the symptoms will subside on their own. In children, Henoch-Schonlein purpura -- a condition characterized by a purple skin rash and joint pain -- is the most common cause. Several different triggers can cause this autoimmune disorder including viral and bacterial infections, such as strep throat, certain medications, including antihistamines and antibiotics, and some childhood vaccinations. Treatment is usually corticosteroids or aspirin to reduce the inflammation.
Precautions
Consult your pediatrician if you are worried about an allergic reaction in your infant. Doctors often have a difficult time identifying the cause of the reaction so make sure your doctor is aware of any medications or herbs you have ingested that may have caused the reaction. You might want to stop taking nonessential medications to help your infant get better. Your infant’s pediatrician will recommend treatment for the allergic vasculitis. Don’t give your infant any medications without first talking to a physician.
