Hypersensitivity Vasculitis

Hypersensitivity vasculities is sometimes called leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Its symptoms are similar to Henoch-Schönlein purpura. However, hypersensitivity vasculitis affects persons who are older. It usually isn't accompanied by the abdominal pain and digestive disorders that occur with Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

Symptoms

If a person has at least three of the following symptoms, they are diagnosed as having the condition:

Being older than 16 when the symptoms appear
Having taken medications before the symptoms appeared
A slightly elevated, purple-red rash over one or more areas of skin. The rash doesn't whiten when pressed.
Flat and raised lesions of different sizes over one or more areas of skin
Changes in the cells of the small blood vessels that can be seen through a microscope

Diagnosis

A doctor will do a physical examination and ask about symptoms. He or she will rule out Henoch-Schönlein purpura as a cause of the symptoms.

Treatments

There is no specific treatment for this disorder. Most cases disappear without treatment. If symptoms persist, therapy with corticosteroids such as prednisone is usually tried.