Your child is diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP ). This blood disorder causes your child’s immune system to destroy their own platelets. Platelets are cells that help stop bleeding. As a result, your child may have a higher risk for bleeding. Even without treatment, most children recover from ITP in a few months. Here's what you need to know about home care.
Don’t give your child the following medicines unless your child's healthcare provider tells you to. These medicines interfere with blood clotting:
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as naproxen
Cough medicines that contain aspirin or ibuprofen
Don’t give your child any other medicines without checking with your child’s healthcare provider first. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines. It also includes any vitamins, herbs, or supplements.
Give your child all medicines exactly as directed.
Follow these tips:
Talk to your child about ways they can prevent bruising or bumping the skin.
Be careful when using nail trimmers on your child.
Teach your child to blow their nose very gently so that they won't get a nosebleed.
If your child has frequent nosebleeds, use a cool steam vaporizer to keep the air moist inside your home. This is especially true for your child’s bedroom.
Make sure your child wears hard-soled shoes when outside.
If your child has problems with bleeding gums, ask your child’s healthcare provider or dentist about getting a sponge toothbrush instead of one with bristles.
Talk with your child’s provider before allowing your child to take part in any sports or athletic activities that carry a risk of injury.
Tell your child’s school about your child’s condition. Ask your child’s provider to give guidelines to the school about your child’s participation in activities and sports.
Tell your child’s dentist that your child has ITP before any procedures.
Here are suggestions for follow-up care:
Make a follow-up appointment with your child's healthcare provider, or as directed.
Keep all follow-up appointments. Your child’s provider will need to watch your child’s blood platelet count closely.
Call your child’s provider right away if your child has any of the following:
Easy bruising
Bleeding for no clear reason
Heavy bleeding or bleeding that lasts longer than normal, including heavier-than-normal menstrual bleeding
Tiny areas of pinpoint bleeding on (or just under) the skin of the arms or legs
Blood in the urine or stool
Bleeding from the nose or gums
Headaches
Confusion
Head trauma or injury
Any major injury
Vision changes
Stiff neck