Having low platelets means that you have a greater risk for bleeding. But there are steps you can take to lower this risk. The tips below may help manage low platelets by helping you to prevent bleeding. Your doctor may suggest other ways to lower your risk for bleeding.

Oral health tips
Tips for women
General health tips
Medication tips
Diet tips
Lifestyle tips

Oral health tips

You can reduce the risk of bleeding in the mouth. Every day, you can:

Keep your mouth clean and moist
Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush or a sponge toothette
Rinse your mouth after each meal with baking soda solution (2 teaspoons of baking soda and 8 ounces of water)
Avoid using dental floss
Avoid commercial mouth washes with alcohol, which dry out your mouth
Keep your lips moist with petroleum jelly or lip balm
Take drinks of water or juice frequently when your mouth is dry

Tips for women

Women should observe proper feminine hygiene and:

Use sanitary napkins instead of tampons
Avoid vaginal douching

General health tips

Do not cough or blow your nose too hard, which may cause your nose to bleed
Do not push too hard when having a bowel movement. If you have trouble having a bowel movement (constipation), talk with your doctor about using a stool softener
Shave with an electric razor, not a blade
Do not use a rectal thermometer, suppository, or an enema
Use a water-based lubricant, not petroleum jelly, during sex and avoid hard and fast motions

Medication tips

Always consult with your physician when taking or avoiding medications when you have low platelets. Here are some tips:

Avoid aspirin. Look at the label of drugs for the words aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid (the chemical name for aspirin)
Do not use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen
For headaches and other pain, use acetaminophen
Also avoid these drugs/drug ingredients, which are known to reduce platelet counts: quinidine, chloroquine, gold, salicylates, and sulfonamides

Diet tips

Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day to keep your mouth moist and to avoid constipation.
Avoid raw vegetables that are hard to digest and may cause damage to the lining of the gut
Eat protein-rich foods such as chicken, turkey, cheese, cooked eggs, and milk
Avoid alcohol, including beer and wine, which can damage bone marrow
Reduce the amount of blueberries, red/purple grape products, garlic, onions, ginger, ginseng, and tomatoes. These foods can interfere with blood clotting
Avoid food and drinks containing quinine such as tonic water. These can lower platelets

Lifestyle tips

Wear shoes or slippers to protect your feet from cuts and bruising
Avoid activities that put you at risk for falling, bumps, and bruises (for example, rollerblading, skating, skiing)
Do not wear tight clothing
Avoid potentially dangerous activities