Henoch-Schönlein Purpura in the Buttocks

Henoch-Schönlein purpura in the buttocks. In Henoch-Schönlein purpura, red and later brownish spots and nodules are seen and felt in the skin. The lesions do not turn lighter on pressure. The phenomenon is due to breaking of an inflamed blood vessel. Hypersensitivity vasculitis triggered by an infection is the underlying condition that is encountered in children. The symptoms include abdominal pain, arthritides and haematuria. The skin symptoms are located especially in the lower extremities and often in the buttocks. Meningococcal sepsis should be kept in mind regarding differential diagnostics. A patient with generalized symptoms should thus be referred to a hospital. Other skin vasculitides should also be taken into account: cutaneous findings are similar.

Picture: Raimo Suhonen