Henoch-Schönlein purpura

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Henoch-Schönlein purpura (Schönlein-Henoch purpura, anaphylactoid purpura) (hen-ohk shern-lyn) n. a common and frequently recurrent form of purpura found especially (but not exclusively) in young children. It is characterized by red weals and a purple rash on the buttocks and lower legs due to bleeding into the skin from inflamed capillaries, together with arthritis, gastrointestinal symptoms, and (in some cases) nephritis. [ E. H. Henoch (1820–1910), German paediatrician; J. L. Schönlein (1793–1864), German physician]