Symptoms

Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis (IgAV), Formerly Called Henoch-Schönlein Purpura

Choose a preferred language

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV), formerly called Henoch-Schönlein purpura, is an abnormal immune system reaction. It causes inflammation and damage to small blood vessels in the skin. This causes a rash, usually in the lower part of the body. The rash looks like bruises or red-purplish spots. It can also affect blood vessels of the joints, intestines, kidneys, and other organs.

This reaction most often affects children. It can also affect adults. The exact cause isn't known. It may be linked with a recent infection from a virus or bacteria. Some kinds of food or medicines may be a factor. The symptoms get better in 4 to 6 weeks. But they may come back during the next 6 months. This isn't a contagious disease. It can't be spread to other people.


Home care

  • Have your child rest at home until they are feeling better.

  • Unless told otherwise, feed your child their normal diet.

  • Unless another medicine was prescribed, you can give your child acetaminophen for fever, fussiness, or pain. In children over 6 months old, you may use children's ibuprofen. Don't give aspirin to children or teens unless your child’s doctor says it is safe. Aspirin can put your child at risk for Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition.

  • Give your child extra fluids for the first few days. For children under 1 year old, continue regular feedings (formula or breast). Between feedings, give an oral rehydration solution. You can buy these from grocery and drug stores. You don't need a prescription. For children over 1 year old, give plenty of fluids like water, juice, gelatin, ginger ale, lemonade, and ice pops.


Follow-up care

Follow up with your child's doctor as advised.


When to get medical care

Contact the doctor right away if your child has:

  • Belly (abdominal) pain.

  • Symptoms that get worse.

  • New symptoms.

  • Blood in their vomit or stool.

  • Pink or brown-colored urine. (This may appear up to 3 months after this illness.)

  • Coughed up blood.

  • Pain in the testicles.

  • A headache.

  • Chest pain.

  • A seizure.

  • A fever.

  • A change in the level of alertness.

Online Medical Reviewer: Melinda Murray Ratini DO

Online Medical Reviewer: Rajadurai Samnishanth Researcher

Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN

Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2025

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Suitcase Icon

Learn More About Health Services at PIH Health

Expert care for every stage of life. Explore the comprehensive services offered at PIH Health.

Explore Services
Newspaper Icon

Get Health Tips & Updates

Sign up for helpful health information, wellness tips and news from PIH Health, delivered straight to your inbox.

Subscribe
Related Articles
Read article
Orthopedics
Mallet Finger

You have an injury to your finger causing the tip of your finger to droop down. This makes your finger look like a small hammer or mallet.

Read article
Digestive Health
Discharge Instructions: Caring for Your T-Tube

You have been discharged with a T-tube, which is shaped like the letter T. It is put in place after bile duct surgery to drain bile while the duct is healing. The T-tube will be left in place for up to several weeks. Here's what you can do at home to aid your recovery.

Read article
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Nasal Packing, Dissolving

A nasal packing controls bleeding by helping the blood clot.

Read article
Heart Health
Hemodialysis Access Bleeding

You have a hemodialysis access in your arm, either an arteriovenous (AV) fistula or an artery to vein graft. It has been bleeding. Blood needs to flow freely through the fistula or graft. As part of your treatment, you are also taking medication that thins your blood. This makes you bleed more easily. It is important to stop your fistula or graft from bleeding as soon as possible.

Stethoscope Icon

Personalized Care Starts with the Right Provider

Search by specialty, location, and more.

Find A Doctor
Appointments Icon

Make an Appointment

Your health can't always wait. Schedule an appointment with a PIH Health provider.

Schedule an Appointment
Cross Icon

Find a PIH Health Urgent Care Location

Need care today?. Find the nearest PIH Health Urgent Care location.

Find Urgent Care