Hypersensitivity to a drug or foreign agent leads to a skin disorder with inflammation and damage to blood vessels of the skin.
Alternative Names
Vasculitis; Vasculitis - allergic; Vasculitis - hypersensitivity
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Vasculitis occurs because of inflammation and damage to blood vessels. The inflammation of allergic vasculitis is the result of an allergic reaction to a drug or other foreign agent.
Signs and tests
The diagnosis is primarily based on a history of skin lesions that develop after exposure to medications or a foreign substance ( antigen ) and the clinical presentation (pattern of symptoms).
The ESR ( sed rate ) may be elevated.
Skin biopsy shows vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels). This disease may also alter the results of a platelet aggregation test .
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at reducing the inflammation, allowing the natural healing process to occur. If possible, stop exposure to the causative medication (or other antigen ). Aspirin or corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation of the blood vessels. (DO NOT give aspirin to children except as advised by the health care provider.) In severe cases, treatment with corticosteroids may be necessary.
Expectations (prognosis)
Allergic vasculitis usually resolves in time.
Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms indicate allergic vasculitis may be present.
Prevention
Avoid exposure to medications to which there are known allergies .