Is Thrombocytopenic Purpura Likely Following the Measles Vaccine?
Greetings! I'm a 29-year-old female, weighing 100 pounds, with no past history of smoking, drug use, or alcohol consumption. Are there any known cases of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) occurring in adults post-measles vaccination? I recently received this vaccine since I missed out on it during my childhood, but I'm struggling to find information specific to adults regarding this issue.
Answers (1)

7/26/2025, 3:50:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns about vaccine side effects, including the risk of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) after receiving the measles vaccine. While ITP is a rare condition, it's important to know how it relates to vaccinations.
Main Points
- ITP is a rare side effect of vaccinations, including the measles vaccine, but cases in adults are extremely uncommon.
- After vaccination, most people have mild, temporary side effects, and serious conditions like ITP are rarely reported.
Explanation
ITP is characterized by low platelet levels which can lead to easy bruising and bleeding. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has been linked to some cases of ITP, primarily in children. However, large studies have shown that the risk is very low, and it is much less documented in adults.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any unusual bleeding, bruising, or persistent fatigue. If you experience significant symptoms, note when they occur.
-
Stay Informed: Understand that while a connection has been noted, serious cases are rare. The benefits of vaccination generally outweigh potential risks.
-
Maintain General Health: Ensure you are eating well, managing stress, and getting adequate rest to support your immune response.
-
Document Your Health: Consider keeping a health diary noting any symptoms or concerns that arise post-vaccination. This may be useful for discussions with healthcare providers in the future if needed.
If you have specific health concerns or if symptoms do arise, be proactive in seeking medical advice. You're taking a responsible step in your health by getting vaccinated; it's important to also take care of yourself afterward. Let me know if you need more information on this topic!
Related Questions
Recurring Symptoms: Wounds, Gas, and Acne
I’m a 30-year-old female, and I frequently deal with an annoying recurring sore situated on my labia, near the bikini line. This lesion doesn’t bleed or open but often appears as if it’s on the brink of healing. Once, it took a staggering three months to heal, the following year it lingered for four months, and the next time it was somewhat better, resolving in just a few weeks. Although I take vitamin D and iron supplements, I admit I don’t do so as consistently as I ought to, and I'm curious if this plays a role in my health issues. Previously, a gastroenterologist recommended that I use Miralax daily, which I did for around two years. However, after increasing my water intake, I experienced a decrease in severe discomfort, allowing me to stop using the medication. When I relied on Miralax, skipping even a couple of doses would leave me in excruciating pain, causing my family to contemplate a trip to the emergency room. Fortunately, my gas problems have improved significantly since I stopped the daily Miralax regimen. Stress also exacerbates my gas issues. Oddly enough, I often don’t realize I have gas until I experience sharp back pain. It’s not until I begin burping excessively that I recognize the source of the discomfort, feeling relief as the back pain subsides. These episodes can persist for more than a week at a time. Additionally, I notice an increase in acne during stressful situations or after consuming high glycemic index foods. The pimples that erupt often manifest as tiny, easily popped lesions with a little pus or as standard red pimples that take their time to heal. Both types leave behind a trail of acne scars across my face, with persistent marks that seem resistant to fading, unlike before when they would diminish within a few weeks with just regular cleansing and no specific products. Even though I’ve tried popular skincare treatments, including tretinoin, I find that they barely make a dent in reducing the scars. At times, I feel as though the products merely sit on my skin without any effects. I’m even at a stage where I can apply Tazorac (since I transitioned from tretinoin) on damp skin, cover it with Vaseline, and wrap up with plastic wrap, yet I see little improvement, despite following this routine diligently for weeks. I can’t shake the feeling that these recurring wounds, the gas, and the acne are interconnected in some capacity. Unfortunately, my blood tests and consultations with doctors haven’t illuminated the situation. Has anyone else faced similar symptoms? If so, what did you find to be the underlying cause, and how did you resolve the issues?
Insights Needed on Possible Rare Tumor in My 4.5-Month-Old Daughter
My baby girl, at 4.5 months old, currently weighs 13 pounds and measures approximately 24 inches in length. She is not on any medications, has a clean bill of health with no previous medical concerns, and is reaching all her developmental milestones. Being formula-fed, she is growing steadily and has not been exposed to any smoke or harmful environmental substances. A few weeks ago, during a standard checkup, her pediatrician discovered a firm, circular mass located in her lower abdomen, situated between her navel and genitals. Although it was not externally visible, it was easily felt beneath the skin. Following this, we proceeded with an ultrasound that revealed the mass to be subcutaneous—located beneath the skin but above the muscle. The results showed it was vascular, indicating blood flow, and it seemed to be causing a slight mass effect. Fortunately, all her other organs appeared normal, and she exhibited no symptoms; her eating, toileting, and behavior were unaffected. We were directed to a pediatric surgeon, who assessed the mass and deemed it too small for a lipoma or lipoblastoma. We were presented with two options: monitoring it or opting for surgical intervention. We opted for the surgery so that it could be both removed and analyzed. The procedure was carried out under general anesthesia and was considered a superficial operation, allowing her to return home the same day. She has been recovering remarkably well since then. Now comes the challenging phase of waiting for pathology results. We have been informed that it does not appear to be a typical cancer, as common malignancies have been excluded. However, the mass has been classified as unusual and is something they don’t usually encounter, prompting them to conduct further specialized tests. When we inquired about the possibility of it being cancerous, the surgeon estimated that it is a near fifty-fifty chance. It's a daunting time for us as we navigate this uncertainty. Our daughter is doing well and continues to exhibit her usual cheerful demeanor, but the suspense is profoundly difficult to bear. While I’m not seeking a diagnosis, I would appreciate any information regarding rare subcutaneous vascular tumors that could occur in infants of her age. Are there benign conditions that, although rare, might explain her situation? Thank you for any assistance you can provide!
Is it better to let this heal on its own?
At 16 years old, I experienced a subungual hematoma on my big toe, which was quite painful initially as it covered the entire nail area. The accumulated blood extended down to my cuticle, causing some swelling and a significant amount of pressure beneath the nail. I decided to seek medical advice, and although the doctor considered possible nail removal, they opted to drain the hematoma instead. That occurrence was about five days ago. Everything seemed to be progressing well, though some blood remained trapped below the nail. However, today brought an unexpected twist; a part of the nail broke off while I was showering. Initially, I didn’t notice it because of the lack of pain, but it turns out the break is deep enough to expose some underlying skin. Now, there’s water trapped underneath the nail which I assume is due to the original pressure lifting it slightly. Currently, the pain has intensified, and my parents tend to advocate for a more resilient approach, often encouraging me to overlook discomfort (it actually took me almost two weeks to convince them to take me to a doctor to have it drained the first time). Is it possible that I can simply manage this with some Tylenol and let it heal on its own? It seems like this might be my only choice right now.
Swollen Lymph Nodes and Tonsil Stones: Could It Be an STD or Something Else?
I’m a 24-year-old woman, standing at 5’5" and weighing 140 pounds. Recently, I've been experiencing significant swelling in my throat and lymph nodes, and I’m uncertain whether this indicates a sexually transmitted infection or possibly strep throat. If anyone has encountered a similar situation, I would greatly appreciate your advice. This issue arose about a day ago, and the swelling has made it very difficult for me to swallow.
25-Year-Old Female: Gums, Hair, and Weight Concerns
A 25-year-old female patient has been noticing a troubling change in her oral health. Over the past three weeks, she has observed a recurrent darkening of her gums, which take on a purple hue that varies throughout the week. In addition to this, she has unintentionally shed 7 pounds in a month. Acne has also begun to appear around her jawline, an area she has never had issues with before. There is an increase in underarm sweating accompanied by an unusual odor that she hasn’t experienced previously. The patient has been prescribed Adderall for ADHD for the last few months and has received confirmation from her psychiatrist that her symptoms are not linked to the medication. A visit to the dentist revealed that her gums appear to be in good condition. In her daily regimen, she takes 325 mg of ferrous sulfate along with 25 mcg of vitamin D3. Recently, she has also been facing significant hair loss, raising questions about whether these changes could be associated with nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances. Blood work was conducted this morning, which included tests for CBC, iron levels, vitamin D, and B12; however, results are still pending. She is now contemplating whether a hormonal panel should have been included in her tests. Has anyone experienced similar issues or have insights into her situation?