Anaphylactoid purpura

Anaphylactoid purpura is a disease that can affect children. Its symptoms include:

• fever
• dark bruised welts on the body, mostly the legs
• painful swelling of joints, especially knees and ankles
• abdominal pain
• blood in the urine

Scientists are not sure of the exact cause of this disease. Some researchers speculate that antibodies in the body from a previous cold or illness might cause a weakening of capillaries, causing the disease. The older a child is when they experience the symptoms, the more likely it is of a recurrence later. Most children recover after a couple of weeks on their own, but in some severe cases, a steroid may be prescribed.