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Allergic vasculitis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Vasculitis on the palm
Vasculitis on the palm
Vasculitis
Vasculitis
Vasculitis, urticarial on the hand
Vasculitis, urticarial on the hand

Alternative Names    Return to top

Vasculitis - allergic; Hypersensitivity vasculitis; Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis

Definition    Return to top

Allergic vasculitis is an extreme reaction to a drug, infection, or foreign substance that leads to inflammation and damage to blood vessels of the skin.

Causes    Return to top

Allergic vasculitis is caused by an allergic reaction to a drug or other foreign substance. Most patients are older than 15 years.

Even with a thorough history, the cause of this condition cannot be identified.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

The diagnosis is based on your symptoms and how the skin looks after you take a certain medicine or are exposed to a foreign substance (antigen).

Results from an ESR test may be high. Skin biopsy shows inflammation of the blood vessels.

Treatment    Return to top

The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation.

Your health care provider may prescribe aspirin or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation of the blood vessels. (DO NOT give aspirin to children except as advised by your health care provider.)

If possible, your doctor may tell you to stop taking the medicine that caused this condition. Do not stop taking any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Allergic vasculitis usually goes away over time. On occasion, people will have repeated episodes.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of allergic vasculitis.

Prevention    Return to top

Avoid exposure to medications to which you have known allergies.

References    Return to top

Stone JH. Immune complex-mediated small vessel vasculitis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Harris Jr. ED, McInnes IB, Ruddy S, eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders Company; 2008: chap 85.

Update Date: 5/31/2009

Updated by: Mark James Borigini, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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