Suggestions/Experiences with Purpura - Immune Disorders Message Board

mylighthouse · 02-28-2006, 12:03 PM

Hello all,

My 33 year old husband posted on the "skin problems" board over a week ago because he was looking for answers concerning a non-itchy skin rash that had suddenly popped up on his legs. The rash broke out almost two weeks ago and now it's just incredibly awful.

He had his first doctor's visit last week--the doctor was very impressed by the rash and he initially said it was Henoch-Schonlein's Purpura.

My husband had 3 very large purple areas on his legs, one is about the size of a softball. These large areas of the rash have very large blisters on them. The rash is so painful. He also has the rash (it looks like purple big bruises) all over his ankles. It hurts to walk and his feet are also very swollen. He has smaller places on his arms, back, stomach and even a few on his face

He is still breaking out with new spots too.

He has seen the doctor a total of 3 times (went back for urine test/bloodwork). They did several tests, and they all came back clear, but they did find that he had a strep infection recently. His internal organs are fine, including the kidneys. This past Friday was his most recent doctor's visit. The doctor seemed concerned about the condition of the rash. The doctor did a skin biopsy and said that he would send it over to a dermatologist.

I have read the other stories of H-S Purpura on this board and they have been helpful.
It's just that my husband doesn't have any kidney symptoms, he doesn't have any joint pain, only extreme pain and swelling that seems to be solely associated with this "rash". Has anyone else only experienced pain in the rash itself without other complaints?
Does anyone have suggestions of how to relieve the pain? He's tried cool compresses, warm baths, Ibuprofin.

The doctor called yesterday and said that the skin biopsy results were back and that the dermatologist wants to see him today. So, my husband and I are going to the dermatologist at 2:00 today. I'm not clear on why H-S Purpura required the attention of a dermatologist. We've been gathering as much info as we can via internet on H-S Purpura.

Sorry this is so long, it just feels good to talk, I guess. Any comments would be appreciated.

Thank you!

mom_of_four · 03-04-2006, 06:45 PM

Hi my four year old son has HSP and he spent 4 days in the hospital and the little boy beside him had HSP too. My son has had no swelling but the other boy did on his feet. They were purple and he could not walk on them. You see that is part of HSP you get arthritis also. My son has blood in his stool and has also vomitted blood. He is very dehydrated and I'm trying my best right now to keep him from dehydrating. His eyes look sunken in and I feel so bad for him. His vomitting happens mostly at night and his belly aches too. I hope your husband gets well soon.

Mom_of_four

HAIRDOER · 04-26-2006, 08:21 AM

Update us please. How is he doing and what did you find out??

mylighthouse · 04-26-2006, 09:27 AM

Thank you for your thoughts and words...here's a little update:

He is still breaking out with a rash about once a week. Every week the rash comes in thick all over his legs, and not as thick on his chest, back, face and neck and head. The only painful areas associated with the rash are in his hair and on his face--these spots form tiny blisters. Thankfully, he hasn't had any more large blisters as he did during the first few weeks of the H-S purpura.
Also, about once a week for a couple of days, he gets severe abdominal cramping and at the same time, swelling in one of his testicles (poor guy), which always causes a very painful rash in the groin area.

The results from the biopsy a month or so ago confirmed vasculitis. The dermatologist said it was the worst case she'd ever seen in her 20 year practice. Of course at the time, he had the horrible huge oozing blisters along with the purpuric rash and it was UGLY!

Even though he still gets the rash and swelling/pain each week, his condition has really improved a lot. He's able to go to work everyday and learning to live with it. Let's see...he broke out with the initial rash on Valentine's Day, so it's been about 10 weeks. The condition is running its course, I guess and gradually improving.

Thank you, again

, be well.