Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy and young children is an uncommon condition * with purpura that needs to be distinguished from more serious conditions. It is a benign condition that should not be overtreated.
Pathogenesis: cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis
Age of patients: < 4 years of age, usually <= 24 months
Clinical features:
(1) febrile prodrome
(2) large purpuric skin lesions which may be targetoid, often involving the cheeks and ears
(3) tender non-pitting edema, especially over the lower extremities and face
(4) well-appearing.
Less common findings:
(1) joint symptoms
(2) gastrointestinal bleeding
(3) microscopic hematuria
The condition completely resolves without sequelae, usually within 3-4 weeks.
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Specialty: Pedatrics
