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Allergic vasculitis - Overview

Alternative Names

Vasculitis - allergic; Hypersensitivity vasculitis; Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis

Definition of Allergic vasculitis:

Allergic vasculitis is an extreme reaction to a drug, infection, or foreign substance that leads to inflammation and damage to blood vessels of the skin.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Allergic vasculitis is caused by an allergic reaction to a drug or other foreign substance. Most patients are older than 15 years.

Even with a thorough history, the cause of this condition cannot be identified.

Vasculitis on the palm

Vasculitis

Vasculitis, urticarial on the hand

Reviewed last on: 5/31/2009
Mark James Borigini, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Stone JH. Immune complex-mediated small vessel vasculitis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Harris Jr. ED, McInnes IB, Ruddy S, eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders Company; 2008: chap 85.

Allergic reactions

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