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Children's health

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Original poster

DD has livid red rash on her buttocks - could it be HSP?

19 replies

CountessDracula · 08/12/2008 20:33

(or Henoch-Schonlein purpura)

She has also had stomach pains and nausea in the last few days, was sent home from school once with them

They are red rather than purple and only on the buttocks - all the pics I have seen the spots seem more purple and are on legs as well.

Has anyone got any experience of this

I am a bit worried because at the same age I had what was called nettle rash, I can clearly remember it and it was on my legs and buttocks. I also had stomach pains. I have one kidney that hasn't developed properly and I'm wondering if it could have been that. I suffer from Crohn#s too so is all auto-immune

OP posts:
Original poster
CountessDracula · 08/12/2008 20:45

bump

OP posts:
misdee · 08/12/2008 20:46

with HSP arent you really ill? my friends father had it and was v v unwell.

Scarletibis · 08/12/2008 21:12

Could well be. My dd is suffering from HSP (has been since Sept, tho most cases resolve quicker) and the symptoms can include stomach pains as well joint pain.

Have you taken her to your GP?

Original poster
CountessDracula · 08/12/2008 21:16

No I am taking her in the morning
Have just been on phone to dd's godmother who is a Doctor - she said it can wait til the morning. I just iddn't know if I should take her to A&E if i suspected this.

OP posts:
Original poster
CountessDracula · 08/12/2008 21:17

scarletibis sorry your dd has had for so long

She has had stomach pains and sore wrists

OP posts:
Scarletibis · 08/12/2008 21:28

Thanks CD, we have been referred to specialists because it's been going on so long (seeing the consultant tomorrow as it happens).

Hopefully your dd will have a milder version.

debbiewebweb · 08/12/2008 21:58

My dd had HSP (still has some symptoms and a consultant nearly 2 years on). It could be hsp, but if it is its most likely there will be swelling on and around her joints - fingers/knuckles/ankles etc. The rash came on very quick and didn't fade under a glass but she wasn't particularly poorly at first but gp sent her straight to childrens hospital for full diagnosis. If in doubt go to gp.

misdee · 09/12/2008 11:02

how is she today?

Original poster
CountessDracula · 09/12/2008 11:20

Just back from the Dr and dropping her at school

They did a urine test which was clear. He said that the spots didn't really look like HSP but that they can present in a different way at teh beginning so to keep a good eye on it and come back if there is any change ie they go purple or stop blanching. He
said btw that it is common to appear perfectly well with it other than the spots and stomach pain and joint pain.

So am hoping that it is just a v spotty bot!

I was wondering - she has quite dry skin and so I don't tend to bath her more than 2 or 3 times a week. Recenltly i have bathed her every night in an attempt to get her to sleep better. I wonder if this could be causing these livid spots?

OP posts:
debbiewebweb · 10/12/2008 16:42

scarletibis, how's your dd doing - how did you got on at the consultants. Did they offer any advice to help her? I always find it frustrating seeing doctors and specialists but always being told there's really nothing that can be done other than it to run its course.

Scarletibis · 10/12/2008 21:11

Hi Debbiewebweb, it was frustrating really. They've done lots of tests on urine/blood and a ultrasound scan and none have shown kidney problems.
Despite all these reassuring noises they want to do a kidney biopsy - so we're going to find out exactly what their reasoning is for it before agreeing to it.
How is your dd?

debbiewebweb · 11/12/2008 11:17

Our consultant is against a biopsy at the moment as she doesn't think it will help solve the problem. She says that although the blood / urine in dd's sample is high its doesn't appear to be causing problems ie dd's still eating / growing etc. So consultant says just keep testing but each time we test the sample is the same and we're told 'oh dear not much we can do to help - keep an eye on her and come back in a couple of months and we'll test again'.
DD was really poorly at the time, her skin errupted, she was unable to walk for a few weeks and spent soime time in hospital. But she has been pretty well in herself and over a year now so we just keep fingers crossed.

Scarletibis · 11/12/2008 14:39

We spoke to another consultant today who said that it was the protein level (not the blood) in the urine that they're worried about which they said was 'medium to high' whatever that means and the fact tht the protein has been leaking into the urine a long time.

Also said that they're not 100% convinced it is HSP because the pattern is not typical - her rash is on her legs, arms, bottom and a bit on her trunk. So are trying to get a definite diagnosis.
Anyway she's having the biopsy next week.
Other than that she is well in herself atm and the rash seems to be fading.

debbiewebweb · 11/12/2008 19:33

There are other similar things to HSP aren't there, I know we were asking if they were sure it was HSP at the time. At least its good if her rash is fading. DD's rash started on fer legs, feet and arms then went pretty much all over, her chest was the least effected but her bottom was awful and is still very scarred, even her ears were covered bless.
I meant blood / protein in her sample in my last post - I think the levels of each are about the same but when I've asked for an actual figure they've been vague - from moderate to significant .
I'll be interested to know how you get on at the biopsy and really hope your dd gets the all clear soon.

clam · 11/12/2008 19:46

Why did you automatically assume HSP? My daughter had it 6 years ago, and had general weediness and joint pain. Then came the rash, which started out looking a bit like chicken pox (but which I knew couldn't be as she'd already had it very badly), but then turned purple and wouldn't blanch. High levels of protein in the urine and blood, so was referred to Great Ormond Street with kidney damage. Intensive course of steroids, and it all cleared up within a few months. Still under annual review there, however, and will be until adulthood.

Scarletibis · 11/12/2008 21:12

She originally had the rash last winter for about 4 weeks (went away for the spring/summer then returned)- that was when it was diagnosed as HSP.
Will let you know how the biopsy goes.

Scarletibis · 18/12/2008 17:25

Hi - dd has had her kidney biopsy now. The actual biopsy went well - she hasn't complained of soreness in her back at all. The worse bit was going into theatre which is obviously scary for a 5yo.
They've got the 1st lot of results and have confirmed that it is HSP and also that there is something going on in around 20% the kidney - which basically they said would lead to kidney damage if not treated.
So they've put her on steroids (prednisilone high dose at first, then reducing) for 6months to a yr with the aim of cutting down the protein in the urine.

debbiewebweb · 18/12/2008 20:07

Thanks for letting me know scarletibis, glad it went well. I'm really going to have to talk with dd's consultant as she's convinced steroids aren't good for hsp damaged kidneys - perhaps I've misunderstood or perhaps she's not 'bad' enough. I'll drill her att dd's next appointment in Feb. Glood luck with the steroids hope all goes well.

Scarletibis · 19/12/2008 10:19

It's hard - having to rely on these experts, isn't it. As you say your dd may have far less protein in her urine.
Good luck to your dd as well.

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