The enigma of blood sweating: rare but real

Bindhu Prabhakar; Anamika Krishnan; Manjushree Ramakrishna

doi:10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20251111

Authors

Bindhu Prabhakar Department of Pediatrics, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Whitefield, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Anamika Krishnan Department of Paediatrics, Narayana Heath, HSR Layout, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Manjushree Ramakrishna Department of Pediatrics, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Whitefield, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20251111

Keywords:

Bleeding from skin, Blood, Haematidrosis, Propranolol, Spontaneous bleeding, Sweat

Abstract

Haematidrosis is a rare disorder where there is bleeding from intact skin and mucosa. No clear pathology has been isolated and triggers include stress and emotional disturbances. Religious beliefs and lack of knowledge about the condition among physicians impede the diagnosis and management. Seen commonly in adolescent girls, cases have been reported mostly from South East Asia. A 14-years-old boy presented with complaints of bleeding from arms, legs and mouth since the past 1 month. Detailed examination showed intact skin with no cuts or bruises. The child was hemodynamically stable and systemic examination was also normal. Blood investigations revealed no major abnormality. Treatment was started with anti-anxiolytics, beta blockers along with alternative methods like counselling and relaxation techniques. Symptomatic relief was noted particularly with relaxation techniques and counselling.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

Elham S. A case series of hematohidrosis: A puzzling medical phenomenon. The Turkish J Ped. 60. 757. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24953/turkjped.2018.06.022

Gilbert O, Fellisa M, Heriyanto S. Systematic review of hematidrosis: Time for clinicians to recognize this entity. 2023;11:7-29. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5314/wjd.v11.i2.7

Matsyura O, Besh L, Jefimova S, Khrystyna SK, Gerasymov S. Hematohidrosis in Pediatric Practice - a Case Report and Review of the Literature. Acta Med Litu. 2024;31(1):12-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15388/Amed.2024.31.1.2

Patel RM, Mahajan S. Hematohidrosis: A rare clinical entity. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2010;1(1):30-2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.73256

Biswas S, Surana T, De A, Nag F. A curious case of sweating blood. Indian J Dermatol. 2013;58(6):478-80. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.119964

Sha Y, Yoshimura H, Saito S, Kitoh R, Takumi Y. A case of hematohidrosis successfully treated with a beta-blocker. Clin Case Rep. 2023;11(6):7337. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.7337

Jane M, Wisuthsarewong W. Hematidrosis: A pathologic process or stigmata. A case report with comprehensive histopathologic and immunoperoxidase studies. The American J of Dermatopathol. 2008;30(2):135-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/DAD.0b013e318164cf4b

Kluger N. Hematidrosis (bloody sweat): a review of the recent literature (1996-2016). Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2018;27(2):85-90. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15570/actaapa.2018.19

Shafique DA, Hickman AW, Thorne A, Elwood HR, Zlotoff BJ. Pediatric hematidrosis - A case report and review of the literature and pathogenesis. Pediatr Dermatol. 2021;38(5):994-1003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.14792

Murota H, Kotobuki Y, Yamaga K, Yoshioka Y. Female child with hematidrosis of the palm: Case report and published work review. J Dermatol. 2020;47(2):166-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1346-8138.15179

Bhattacharya S, Das MK, Sarkar S, De A. Hematidrosis. Indian Pediatr. 2013;50(7):703-4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-013-0178-x