Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

ITP, short for immune thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare bleeding disorder characterized by a low number of platelets in the blood. Immune refers to the immune system's involvement in this disorder. Thrombocytopenia refers to decrease in blood platelets. Purpura refers to the purplish-looking areas of the skin and mucous membranes where bleeding has occurred in result of lowered platelet, normally occurs over bony areas throughout the body. This happens when the immune system produces antibodies that see healthy platelets as foreign substances and then attack and destroy them. Platelets are necessary for normal blood clotting because they help one’s blood clot by clumping together to seal small holes in damaged blood vessels. It is most common