Donna
There is no known cause. It is an autoimmune response in which the body's defense system, which normally fights infections, turns on itself. This is not contagious. Most cases, I have read, resolve themselves in about six weeks; however, my 10-year old daughter has had HSP for 17 months. Your best bet is to find a really good rheumatologist to manage her case. In extended cases like my daughter's, first line of treatment is often steroids, which will pretty magically aleviate the symptoms (except for the elevated levels of blood and protein in the urine). After several months on Prednisone, my daughter gained weight and developed high blood pressure, which aggravated the already high levels of blood and protein output in the urine - these are not visible but show up in a 24-hour urine screen. After she quit taking Prednisone and was put on an immune-suppressing drug called Imuran, she lost weight, her blood pressure returned to normal, and her condition continues to improve. Two years ago, I had never heard of HSP; now I know more about it than I ever wished. If your daughter has only had this for a few weeks, don't be disheartened - she will probably follow the usual course and recover quickly. If not, dig in your heels and God will help you be strong for her. My main point of advice is again, find a good rheumatologist - my doctor has been wonderful. Good luck to you.