“Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a blood disorder characterized by a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are cells in the blood that help stop bleeding. A decrease in platelets can cause easy bruising, bleeding gums, and internal bleeding. This disease is caused by an immune reaction against one’s own platelets. It has also been called autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura.  Thrombocytopenia meaning a decreased number of platelets in the blood and purpura refers to the purple discoloring of the skin, as with a bruise.”

John Hopkins Medicine