Patient's question:
The red spots reappeared again in November, and my son had intermittent abdominal pain symptoms again. The doctor's screening diagnosed him with allergic purpura (abdominal pain type), with lab results indicating a milk allergy. After treatment, the red spots disappeared, and the stomach pain stopped as well. He is still taking medication now...Doctor's answer:
Corticosteroids are effective for some children, can stabilize symptoms, and are particularly effective for those with abdominal pain accompanied by hematuria and joint symptoms. However, they cannot prevent the onset of traditional allergic purpura. The conventional treatment for this disease involves symptomatic relief and the use of adrenal cortical hormones. However, the use of hormones can further disrupt the immune system, lead to multiple long-term side effects, increase the risk of recurrence, and make it difficult to discontinue medication.In traditional Chinese medicine, this condition falls under the category of "facing spots" (), caused by pathogenic heat injuring the blood, resembling the symptoms of "yang spots" (). The treatment principle is to clear heat, detoxify, cool the blood, and resolve blood stasis. A commonly used modified Xijiao Dihuang Decoction includes: 1 gram of rhino horn, 15 grams of honeysuckle, 10 grams each of Forsythia, polygonum, and peony root, 6 grams of Salvia miltiorrhiza, 15 grams each of prepared rhubarb and whiteroot, and 30 grams of red bean. For severe and dark purpura, indicating excessive toxic heat, Zushe Dan (0.5–0.75 grams) should be taken orally 1–2 times daily. For severe abdominal pain, add 15 grams of Corydalis and 6 grams of Frankincense. For hematuria, add 10 grams each of carbonized polygala and carbonized plum blossom, or 1.5 grams of Panax notoginseng powder.
If the child has excessive bleeding, leading to prolonged symptoms, pale complexion, palpitations, shortness of breath, and other signs of Qi and blood deficiency with poor spleen function in blood retention, the treatment principle is to nourish yin, strengthen the spleen, and replenish Qi to stop bleeding. A commonly used modified Guipi Decoction includes: 15 grams of Codonopsis, 10 grams each of white Atractylodes, longan pulp, and Poria, 15 grams of prepared rhubarb, 10 grams each of Eel glue and carbonized polygala, and 5 jujubes. For Qi deficiency, add 15 grams of Astragalus; for blood deficiency, add 10 grams each of white peony root and Polygonatum, or prepared rhubarb.
The above suggestions are for the question, "Why does purpura still occur during medication?" It is hoped that this will be helpful to you. Wishing you good health!