Hematidrosis: A Hematology Challenge

Abstract

Hematidrosis, also known as bloody sweat is an extremely rare condition and is characterised by blood mixed with sweat oozing out skin and mucosa.The exact incidence of this condition is unknown and is still restricted to isolated case reports from across the world.Though its etiopathogenesis remains unclear, is precipitated during conditions of extreme stress, which can be physical, emotional, or psychological.Leonardo Da Vinci reported a soldier who sweated blood before one of the battles and there have been several other observations seen in individuals before execution since ancient times.It is hypothesised that capillary blood vessels feeding the sweat glands rupture, causing exudation of blood on the surface mixed with sweat like material.It is a physician challenge as the patient is often subjected to multiple investigations and seldom has to face social stigma associated with it.This condition is usually self resolving once the stressor is controlled.In this report, we describe the case of a young boy who presented with recurrent bleeding episodes and was diagnosed to be suffering from Hematidrosis and briefly discuss the associated literature.