Haematidrosis: The Rare Phenomenon of Sweating Blood

• Main Authors: Inês Rossio, Ana Gonçalves
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SMC MEDIA SRL 2014-10-01
• Series: European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
• Subjects: Haematidrosis, haematohidrosis, sweating blood
• Online Access: http://ejcrim.com/index.php/EJCRIM/article/view/144

Objectives: Haematidrosis, also known as haematohidrosis, is a very rare condition where blood is excreted with sweat. As only a few cases have been described in the literature, we present guidelines on management of this rare phenomenon. Case: A 44-year-old man presented with self-limited and spontaneous bleeding episodes from different parts of his body. This had started 2 weeks before admission after an episode of extreme emotional stress. Medical history and laboratory tests were normal. The microscopic examination of a sample of the fluid excreted confirmed all blood elements. Conclusion: The disorder is thought to be related to activation of the sympathetic nervous system. The use of benzodiazepines and beta blockers may be helpful in controlling the bleeding episodes and give some comfort to the patient.