Henoch–Schönlein Purpura (HSP) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP), also called IgA vasculitis or anaphylactoid purpura, is a short‑term inflammation of small blood vessels (vasculitis) caused by an abnormal immune response.

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, HSP is most often seen in children, especially boys, and frequently appears after:

• A cold or upper respiratory infection (common in our fall and winter months)
• Seasonal allergies or hay fever (often triggered in West Michigan by spring and fall pollen)

While HSP can be scary to see—especially the purple rash—it usually gets better on its own within a few weeks. However, it can sometimes affect the kidneys and other organs, so medical evaluation is important.

What Is Henoch–Schönlein Purpura?

HSP is a type of small-vessel vasculitis, meaning it affects tiny blood vessels called capillaries. The immune system mistakenly attaches immune proteins (IgA) to blood vessel walls, causing:

• Inflammation
• Leaking of blood into the skin (purpura)
• Irritation and swelling in organs such as the intestines and kidneys

HSP is not contagious. You cannot “catch” it from someone else.

Who Gets HSP in Grand Rapids?

HSP can occur in anyone, but it is most common in:

• Children aged 3–15 years
• Boys more than girls
• People who recently had:
  • A sore throat or upper respiratory infection
  • A viral illness (especially common in Michigan’s colder months)
  • Seasonal allergies or hay fever

Although HSP is more frequent in children, adults in Grand Rapids can develop more severe symptoms, especially involving the kidneys.

Key Symptoms of Henoch–Schönlein Purpura

1. Purple Spotted Skin Rash (Purpura)

The hallmark sign of HSP is a raised, purple or red spotted rash caused by bleeding into the skin. It is usually:

• Palpable (you can feel it as small raised bumps)
• Up to about 1 cm in diameter
• Often clustered

Typical locations:

• Young children: back, buttocks, and upper thighs
• Older children and adults: calves and ankles

As HSP improves, the rash:

1. Starts red and raised
2. Turns purplish
3. Fades to brown
4. Gradually disappears

2. Joint Pain and Swelling

Many children in Grand Rapids with HSP develop:

• Painful joints, especially knees and ankles
• Mild swelling
• Stiffness, often worse in the morning or after rest

Joint problems usually resolve without long‑term damage.

3. Abdominal (Belly) Symptoms

Because HSP can inflame blood vessels in the intestines, it may cause:

• Crampy abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea, sometimes with blood

Severe or worsening abdominal pain in a child with HSP should be checked promptly at a Grand Rapids urgent care or emergency department, as it can signal a complication.

4. Kidney Involvement (Glomerulonephritis)

The kidneys contain tiny filters called glomeruli that remove waste from the blood. In HSP, these filters can become inflamed (glomerulonephritis), leading to:

• Blood in the urine (may look pink, red, or cola‑colored, or only show up on lab tests)
• Protein in the urine (found on urine testing)
• Swelling (oedema) in the hands, feet, or around the eyes

In most children, kidney problems are mild and temporary.
In rare cases, ongoing inflammation can lead to progressive kidney damage or renal failure. Less than 1% of people with HSP develop severe kidney failure.

How Long Does HSP Last?

• Symptoms usually last 1–4 weeks
• The condition may flare and improve in cycles
• About half of patients will have at least one repeat attack

Generally, the older the person, the more severe the symptoms and the higher the risk of kidney involvement.

Possible Complications of HSP

Most children in Grand Rapids recover fully from HSP. However, rare complications can include:

• Kidney complications

  • Persistent protein or blood in the urine
  • Progressive glomerulonephritis
  • Chronic kidney disease or renal failure (very rare)

• Gastrointestinal (GI) complications

  • Intussusception (a section of bowel folds into itself like a concertina), which can block the intestine
  • Perforation (a hole) in the bowel wall
  • Gastric hemorrhage and vomiting blood
  • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

• Other complications

  • Pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding into the lungs – extremely rare)
  • Testicular pain and swelling in boys, which can mimic a testicular torsion emergency

Any sudden worsening in pain, swelling, breathing, or urine changes should be evaluated immediately at a local emergency department such as:

• Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
• Trinity Health Grand Rapids
• University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health)
• Mercy Health facilities in West Michigan

What Causes HSP?

The exact cause of Henoch–Schönlein purpura is unknown, but it is thought to be an abnormal immune reaction. HSP often follows:

• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Viral illnesses
• Bacterial infections
• Allergic reactions, including hay fever

In Michigan, HSP is often seen:

• After fall and winter respiratory infections
• During spring and fall allergy seasons when pollen counts are high

In HSP, immune cells and IgA antibodies latch onto blood vessel walls, triggering irritation, inflammation, and small amounts of bleeding.

How HSP Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

There is no single test that “proves” HSP. Doctors in Grand Rapids typically use:

Medical History and Physical Exam

• Review of recent illnesses (colds, sore throat, allergies)
• Description of symptoms: rash, joint pain, belly pain, urine changes
• Careful exam of:
  • Skin (pattern and feel of the rash)
  • Joints
  • Abdomen
  • Blood pressure and swelling

Laboratory and Other Tests

Your child’s provider may order:

• Blood tests
  • To check for infection, inflammation, kidney function, and to rule out serious blood infections (septicaemia) that can cause a similar rash
• Urine analysis
  • To look for blood and protein in the urine
• Stool tests
  • To check for hidden blood in the stool if there are GI symptoms

Less commonly, if the diagnosis is uncertain or kidney involvement is severe, specialists at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health may recommend:

• Skin biopsy
• Kidney biopsy

These biopsies help confirm vasculitis and assess the degree of kidney damage.

Treatment for Henoch–Schönlein Purpura

No Cure, But Symptoms Often Resolve on Their Own

There is no specific medicine that “cures” HSP or speeds complete recovery. In most cases in Grand Rapids:

• Symptoms improve without treatment over 1–4 weeks
• Supportive care and close monitoring are the main approaches

Symptom Management

Your child’s doctor may recommend:

• Rest and hydration
• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications
  • Used carefully and under medical guidance
• Corticosteroids (such as prednisolone)
  • May be prescribed for:
    • Significant joint pain or swelling
    • Severe abdominal pain
    • Some cases of kidney involvement
  • These do not cure HSP but can reduce inflammation and help manage symptoms

When Kidneys Are at Risk

If kidney inflammation is more serious, a pediatric nephrologist (kidney specialist) in Grand Rapids may prescribe:

• Immunosuppressive drugs
  • To reduce immune system attack on the kidneys
• Closer monitoring
  • Regular blood and urine tests
  • Blood pressure checks

Severe cases may be co‑managed at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital or other major Grand Rapids health systems with pediatric nephrology and rheumatology services.

Follow‑Up Care in Grand Rapids

Even if your child seems well, follow‑up is important because kidney problems can appear or persist after the rash and pain improve.

Your provider may recommend:

• Regular urine tests for blood and protein
• Blood pressure checks
• Periodic kidney function tests

Follow‑up can be arranged through:

• Your pediatrician or family doctor
• Pediatric specialists at:
  • Corewell Health / Spectrum Health
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health (University of Michigan Health–West)
  • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health can also help connect families with local pediatric and nephrology services if access to care is a concern.

Can Henoch–Schönlein Purpura Be Prevented?

At this time, there is no known way to prevent HSP. Because it is related to an abnormal immune reaction, not a specific germ, standard infection control practices (handwashing, staying home when sick) may reduce triggers but cannot guarantee prevention.

What you can do in Grand Rapids:

• Seek prompt medical care for unusual rashes, especially if your child has:
  • Joint pain or swelling
  • Belly pain or vomiting
  • Blood in stool or urine
• Keep follow‑up appointments to monitor kidney health
• Manage seasonal allergies with your child’s provider, particularly during high‑pollen months in West Michigan

When to Seek Immediate Care in Grand Rapids

Call your doctor, visit an urgent care, or go to the emergency department if someone with suspected or known HSP has:

• Severe or worsening abdominal pain
• Vomiting blood or passing blood in stool
• Difficulty breathing or coughing up blood
• Very dark, red, or cola‑colored urine
• Little or no urine output
• Sudden, severe testicular pain and swelling in boys
• Extreme fatigue, confusion, or swelling around the eyes, hands, or feet

Emergency care is available at:

• Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital (Corewell Health/Spectrum Health)
• Trinity Health Grand Rapids Emergency Department
• Metro Health – University of Michigan Health–West
• Mercy Health emergency facilities in the region

Local Resources for HSP Care in Grand Rapids, MI

If you’re concerned your child may have Henoch–Schönlein purpura, you can start with:

• Your primary care provider or pediatrician
• Pediatric rheumatology or nephrology services at:
  • Corewell Health / Spectrum Health
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health (UM Health–West)
• Kent County Health Department for help finding care and community resources
• Grand Rapids Public Health programs for families needing support with access to specialists

Key Points About Henoch–Schönlein Purpura in Grand Rapids

• HSP is a short‑term inflammation of small blood vessels (vasculitis), often following a cold or allergy flare.
• Symptoms commonly include:
  • Purple, raised spotted skin rash
  • Joint pain and swelling, especially in knees and ankles
  • Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Children, especially boys, are most commonly affected, but adults can get HSP too.
• Older patients tend to have more severe symptoms and a higher risk of kidney involvement.
• There is no treatment that speeds recovery, but corticosteroids and anti‑inflammatory medicines can help manage symptoms.
• HSP is caused by immune cells attaching to blood vessel walls, leading to irritation, inflammation, and bleeding.
• Most children in Grand Rapids recover fully, but kidney monitoring is essential to catch rare complications early.
• Prevention is not currently possible, but early recognition and follow‑up care help protect long‑term health.