Definition:
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.
Alternative Names:
Vasculitis - allergic; Hypersensitivity vasculitis; Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis
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.
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.
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