Allergic purpura belongs to which department?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Allergic purpura is a common vasculitis related to hypersensitivity, essentially a type of vasculitis that belongs to hematological diseases. It is mostly caused by infections or allergies to food and drugs, predominantly occurring in adolescents. It is more common in males, but a minority of adults may also develop allergic purpura. The main types include abdominal, renal, articular, mixed, and cutaneous forms. However, when allergic purpura nephritis occurs, presenting with proteinuria or decreased kidney function, it is necessary to visit a nephrology department. Treatment should aim to control proteinuria, protect kidney function, and reduce damage to kidney functions. Therefore, it is essential to visit a nephrologist at this time. Allergic purpura must be differentiated in treatment; if it is merely a cutaneous or abdominal type, a hematologist can manage it. However, if the kidneys are involved, it requires consultation in a nephrology specialty. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Mild symptoms of allergic purpura

Allergic purpura mainly includes three pathological types. The symptoms of the mild type mainly involve changes in the skin, primarily purpura-like rashes around the lower legs and ankle joints. If there are only skin lesions, it is considered a very mild case of allergic purpura. Additionally, more severe cases may involve kidney impairment, such as the presence of protein in the urine. Some patients primarily experience joint pain, also known as the arthritic type. Another group of patients presents mainly with sudden abdominal pain, primarily known as the abdominal type. Therefore, mild symptoms of allergic purpura might just be typical rashes. As long as there is no involvement of the visceral system, it is considered relatively mild.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Can allergic purpura cause itching?

Allergic purpura is mainly seen in adolescents and children, with a higher incidence in spring and autumn. The most common cause is infection, followed by medications or food, which can also trigger an episode of allergic purpura. The most common symptoms include purpura on the skin and mucous membranes, abdominal pain, blood in stools, hematuria, or joint pain. The purpura primarily affects the limbs, rarely appears on the trunk, and is symmetrically distributed. At this time, the bleeding spots often have no symptoms, meaning there is no itching of the skin. However, when there is concomitant skin edema or hives, itching can occur.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What causes allergic purpura?

Allergic purpura commonly occurs in adolescents and children, characterized by frequent relapses and being intractable. It is primarily seen in youth aged between 5 to 14 years. As they age and their immunity strengthens, the frequency of episodes gradually decreases. The most common causes of allergic purpura include infections such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, mycoplasma infections, and allergies to medications and foods, with food allergies mainly stemming from high-protein foods like fish and shrimp, which can easily trigger allergic reactions. Therefore, once skin purpura or proteinuria appears, it is crucial to rest in bed until the pain and proteinuria dissipate and the purpura eases. During treatment, it is also important to avoid cold exposure and overexertion.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What are the symptoms of allergic purpura?

The most common clinical manifestations of allergic purpura are bruises on the limbs, black stool, hematuria, and joint pain. It is mainly divided into articular, abdominal, cutaneous, renal, and mixed types. The presence of protein in the urine indicates kidney involvement, which means the condition is most severe. Allergic purpura generally can be alleviated with standard and active treatment, but recurrent attacks affecting the kidneys can lead to persistent purpuric nephritis and proteinuria that do not resolve.

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Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
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Is allergic purpura nephritis contagious?

Kidney damage caused by allergic purpura is called allergic purpuric nephritis. The main mechanism of allergic purpuric nephritis is the deposition of immune complexes in the kidneys, causing hematuria, proteinuria, edema, and hypertension. Severe cases of purpuric nephritis may also lead to renal failure. Additionally, patients with allergic purpuric nephritis exhibit systemic symptoms such as skin purpura, abdominal pain, joint pain, and melena. Allergic purpuric nephritis usually occurs in children, and it is not contagious. Unlike viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, and dysentery, it does not spread through respiratory, digestive, or blood pathways.