Stress doesn't directly cause Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP), but it can be a trigger for the immune malfunction that leads to it, as HSP often follows infections or other immune system stressors, like colds or vaccines, with inflammatory and oxidative stress playing roles in its development. While HSP is an immune response often linked to prior illness, stress management can support the immune system, and conversely, being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) means experiencing stress more intensely, which can impact coping.
The cause of HSP is unknown, but it is most commonly triggered by a viral illness (e.g. a cold), and it occurs most often in the spring. HSP usually affects children from two to 10 years of age, but it can happen in anyone. HSP itself is not contagious, but the infection that has triggered HSP may be contagious.
Highly sensitive personality (HSP) or sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a hereditary personality trait that is associated with a genetic component leading to deep processing and response to external stimuli [1,2].
HSP is an autoimmune disorder. This is when the body's immune system attacks the body's own cells and organs. With HSP, this immune response may be caused by an upper respiratory tract infection. Other immune triggers may include an allergic reaction, medicine, injury, or being out in cold weather.
Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and taking the time for decompression can all be useful strategies. Talking to a friend or therapist can also help an HSP cope with heightened emotional responses to stress.
6. HSPs feel everything more deeply than others, which can make them seem over-emotional to others who don't understand their nature. HSPs have a heightened sensitivity to many things in life. They can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, strong odors, or large crowds.
Possible causes of high sensitivity include: Genetic factors: Genetics may correlate with high sensitivity. Research has shown that HSPs may respond differently to dopamine receptors. Lack of parental warmth: Research also shows that parental warmth is essential for personality development.
Most children with HSP fully recover within a month and have no long-term problems. Some kids who have HSP get it again, usually a few months after the first episode. If it does come back, it's usually less severe than the first episode.
HSP and food intolerance testing revealed that foreign proteins such as eggs, milk, and beef are significant factors in the onset and recurrence of HSP, and children with relapsed HSP acquire sensitivity to other foods, suggesting recurring assaults.
Some triggers of vasculitis include: Infections. Other autoimmune diseases. As a side effect of some drugs and medications.
The frequent confusion about the interplay of sensitivity and trauma is certainly understandable. While being an HSP is not caused by trauma, difficult life experiences are amplified by high sensitivity.
HSPs often excel in roles that value emotional intelligence, creativity, empathy, and focus—such as writing, counseling, therapy, research, education, and the arts. Careers that allow for independence, creativity, and deep focus are ideal—such as writing, design, therapy, research, or remote work roles.
A highly sensitive person (HSP) experiences emotions and sensory stimuli more deeply than others. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells. HSPs are more prone to anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, but they can also be more moved by music, art and other experiences.
HSPs value deep meaningful relationships. They need partners and friends who understand and accept how they interact with and process the world around them. They look for authenticity and alignment and have a strong sense of values and integrity.
Normalizing an overactive immune system
Substances
To combat inflammation, focus on an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, olive oil, and spices like turmeric, while reducing sugar, processed foods, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats, as your body naturally detoxifies through these whole foods and by managing stress and hydration.
Vitamin D. There is a substantial amount of evidence in the literature demonstrating low vitamin D levels in patients with HS; HS patients are 5.47 times more likely to develop a vitamin D deficiency [36].
Overview. Henoch-Schonlein purpura causes the small blood vessels in the skin, joints, intestines and kidneys to become inflamed and bleed. This condition also is called IgA vasculitis.
HSP can be diagnosed and treated by your pediatrician or family doctor. If there are any questions about the degree to which kidneys are being affected, the doctor can get advice from a pediatric nephrologist (kidney specialist for kids).
Discussion. In this report, we represent 3 cases of new-onset HSP after COVID-19 infection. The three cases were male children, aged less than 4 years. All the cases developed the characteristic palpable, nonblanchable rash of HSP along with the joint symptoms.
Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a fairly common autoimmune childhood disorder that may affect adults as well, although less frequently. Children with this condition are often initially seen with acute abdominal pain and are referred for surgical evaluation.
According to Dr. Elaine Aron's research, HSP are more sensitive or responsive to stimuli. Therefore, they seem more sensitive to caffeine, beautiful music, violence in the media, and even physical pain (1).
Regarding the relationship between giftedness and hypersensitivity, some studies have suggested that sensory sensitivity increases with IQ (Deary et al. 2004; Schlegel et al. 2017).
FAQs About Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)
These genetic variants don't block hormone receptors but can make HSPs more sensitive to emotional, environmental, and social stimuli. For example, HSPs may process stress hormones more intensely, leading to stronger emotional and physical responses.