The medical term for a low platelet count is thrombocytopenia. There are several disorders that can cause the condition, including vitamin B12 deficiency and folate deficiency. Signs and symptoms of thrombocytopenia can appear suddenly or over a longer period of time, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Individuals who have mild disease may have no signs or symptoms so it becomes important to have routine blood testing.
Spontaneous Bleeding
Low platelet counts can also lead to blood in the urine, stool or bleeding from the gums and prolonged bleeding from cuts, according to MayoClinic.com. Women may experience unusually heavy menstrual flow. Spontaneous bleeding can also result because of a low platelet count and the reduced ability of the body to clot the blot at appropriate times.
Bruising
The medical term for bruising is purpura. This refers to purple brown or red bruises below the skin, according to National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Platelets are responsible in the cascade events that lead to clotting of the blood. When the number of platelets is reduced or the platelets are not functional, you can suffer from internal or external bleeding. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says that external bleeding that leads to bruising or purpura is usually the first symptom of a low blood platelet count.
Petechial Rash
Individuals who suffer from low platelet counts can also experience pinpoint-sized red purple spots just under the skin, says MayoClinic.com. Although they occur more common only the lower legs, they can present anywhere on the body. They represent minute bleeding or hemorrhage under the skin and are very small, usually 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter. These areas may develop after minor trauma or after no apparent injury.
Nosebleeds
Bleeding from the tissue lining the nose can occur because of very minor irritations or colds, according to MedlinePlus. When platelet counts are reduced, the thin tissue in the nose will bleed even easier and platelets will not be available to clot the blood. Nosebleeds should stop within 20 minutes or you should seek emergency care immediately. If you suffer from thrombocytopenia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, you may experience nosebleeds that require medical care to stop.
