Initially, a few scattered red spots appeared on her lower legs. She was prescribed allergy medication, but her condition did not improve. One month later, the red spots rapidly spread from her heels to her lower legs and thighs on both legs, turning dark red, forming a dense rash, and causing joint pain.

Dense red rash on the patient's legs. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Associate Professor, Doctor Hoang Thi Lam, Head of the Clinical Immunology Department at Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, diagnosed Ms. Thu with allergic vasculitis. This condition involves inflammation of small blood vessels under the skin, triggered by an abnormal immune response. While common in children aged 3-15, the disease often carries a severe prognosis in adults, potentially affecting the kidneys, thus necessitating early detection and monitoring. Symptoms include palpable purpura on the legs, abdominal pain, or hematuria, which can stem from factors like infection, certain medications, or other immune disorders. Pain frequently affects joints such as the ankles and knees, restricting movement.

Associate Professor Lam advises Ms. Thu on the treatment plan. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctors developed a treatment regimen for Ms. Thu to control the inflammatory response of her vessel walls and alleviate pain. She received anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce vascular inflammation, combined with vessel wall protective medication and pain relievers as needed. Doctors also considered adding immunosuppressants to manage the abnormal immune response.

Ms. Thu needed to limit prolonged standing or excessive walking and closely monitor changes in her rash. After one week of treatment, her condition significantly improved: the red spots on her legs gradually faded and disappeared, and she experienced considerable pain reduction when walking. She must continue to adhere to the treatment regimen and attend regular follow-up appointments for doctors to assess her condition and minimize the risk of recurrence.

According to Associate Professor Lam, allergic vasculitis can sometimes be mistaken for viral rashes or insect bite hemorrhages in its early stages due to similar red skin manifestations. However, if the rash spreads, is accompanied by pain, swelling, or persists without improvement, patients should seek examination from doctors in the Clinical Immunology Department for early detection, treatment, and effective disease control. Patients should avoid complacency or prolonged self-treatment, as this can lead to widespread damage, increased pain, and significant disruption to daily life.

Minh Huong

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