*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Henoch Schonlein Purpura Hsp

Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura (HSP) affects the blood vessels and causes a spotty rash. It's not usually serious, but can sometimes lead to kidney problems. It's more common in children, but adults can get it too.

Check if it's Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura (HSP)

The main symptom of Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura (HSP) is a rash with raised red or purple spots. The spots look like small bruises or blood spots.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

you or your child have a rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it but you do not feel unwell

This could be Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura (HSP).

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

a rash does not fade when a glass is pressed against it and you feel very unwell - for example, it's painful to look at bright lights or you have a stiff neck

This could be something serious like meningitis.

How to do the glass test

Press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin.
Check a few times to see if you can still see the spots through the glass.

If you have brown or black skin, check paler areas like the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

Treatments for Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura (HSP)

There's no treatment for Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura (HSP). It usually gets better in a few weeks and you can usually just rest at home until you feel better.

HSP cannot spread to others, so:

your child can return to school or nursery when they feel well enough
you can go back to work as soon as you feel up to it

Treatment to relieve your symptoms

Paracetamol can help ease any pain.

Do not take ibuprofen without speaking to your doctor because it could harm your kidneys.

Regular check-ups for kidney problems

You'll have regular check-ups for 6 to 12 months to check how well your kidneys are working.

You'll usually be asked to provide a sample of pee and have your blood pressure checked at each appointment. This may be done at home, at your GP surgery, or in hospital.

Treatment in hospital

You may need to go into hospital if HSP affects your kidneys.

In hospital, you may be given strong medicines like steroids to help ease your symptoms.

Risks of Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura (HSP)

Most people with Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura (HSP) make a full recovery. Any kidney problems usually get better without treatment.

But sometimes HSP can be severe and last several months.

There's also a small chance the kidneys could be permanently damaged (chronic kidney disease). This is why it's important to have regular check-ups.

Getting HSP again

You can get HSP more than once. Get medical advice quickly if the symptoms come back.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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