Does allergic purpura cause itchy skin?

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on January 07, 2025
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The skin of patients with allergic purpura generally does not show symptoms of itching, although it is called allergic purpura. However, the main clinical manifestations are inflammation of the capillaries at the extremities of the lower limbs, accompanied by a characteristic rash, without noticeable symptoms of skin itching. If a patient with allergic purpura also has symptoms of skin itching, it may be necessary to consider whether there is a concurrent allergic dermatitis or similar condition. Besides the typical purpuric rash on both lower limbs, some patients with allergic purpura may also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and these symptoms are referred to as the gastrointestinal type of allergic purpura. Some patients may experience joint pain, which belongs to the joint type of allergic purpura, and others may present with proteinuria, which belongs to the renal type of allergic purpura.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What can people with allergic purpura eat?

Firstly, allergic purpura commonly occurs in adolescents and children, mainly between the ages of 5 to 14, and is frequent during the spring and autumn seasons. The most common causes of allergic purpura are infections, drug and food allergies, with infections being the most prevalent cause, such as bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Allergic purpura cannot be cured and often relapses. During the acute phase, it is primarily recommended to rest in bed, and to eat a light diet. It is advisable to consume fresh fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, grapes, grapefruits, and kiwis, which are rich in vitamin C, as well as various green leafy vegetables. These foods, rich in vitamin C, are beneficial for recovery and good for the body. Additionally, foods like seafood and mangoes, as well as previously untried fruits and foods, are not recommended during this phase to avoid triggering allergic reactions or worsening the condition.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Is allergic purpura serious?

Firstly, allergic purpura is caused by infections, drugs, or food allergies leading to skin ecchymosis and petechiae; in addition, it can also manifest as joint pain, hematuria, and melena. The presence of protein in a routine urine test along with hematuria or melena often indicates gastrointestinal allergic purpura and renal allergic purpura. The presence of proteinuria suggests kidney involvement, which is the most severe type among various forms of allergic purpura. If it is solely a cutaneous type, no special treatment is needed other than drinking more water and ensuring bed rest to alleviate skin ecchymosis. If proteinuria or hematuria occurs, one must rest in bed until the protein levels improve before resuming activities. Concurrently, corticosteroids and anti-allergy medications should be administered. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Precursors of recurrent allergic purpura

The precursors of a relapse of allergic purpura typically occur in patients after exposure to cold, strenuous exercise, or allergens, manifesting as purpuric rash on the skin. Additionally, some patients may experience gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. More severe cases can present with symptoms of allergic purpura and purpura nephritis, primarily characterized by edema and significant proteinuria indicated in routine urine tests. If patients experience the aforementioned symptoms, it is crucial to be vigilant about the possibility of a relapse of allergic purpura and to seek medical attention promptly to prevent further progression of the disease.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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What should I do if allergic purpura causes vomiting?

Patients with allergic purpura who experience symptoms of vomiting need to be highly vigilant to determine if it is the gastrointestinal type of allergic purpura. In addition to observing the vomiting, we also need to check for symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea in the patient. Regarding treatment, we need to consider the use of corticosteroids. If the patient’s condition allows, immunosuppressants might also be needed. Dietary considerations are also very important; first, it is essential to maintain a light, liquid diet, avoid spicy or tough foods to manage the vomiting symptoms associated with allergic purpura. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Is allergic purpura contagious?

Allergic purpura is not a contagious disease; it is an autoimmune disorder, and therefore it is not transmissible. This condition is a self-limiting disease commonly found in adolescents and children. It mainly comes in four types: simple, renal, abdominal, and articular. Common symptoms include purpura on the limbs and body, and it may also involve abdominal pain, joint pain, and hematuria among other organ impairments. During the acute phase, bed rest is required. Sometimes, when the kidneys are affected, corticosteroids are necessary for timely treatment. If there is joint swelling and pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to alleviate pain, and antispasmodic analgesics can be used for abdominal pain.