Human sweat is typically clear, but in rare cases, blood sweat occurs, known as hematohidrosis. 

What causes this condition, and is it curable? Read on for more details.

What is Hematohidrosis?

Hematohidrosis, also known as hematidrosis or hemidrosis, is a rare condition in which a person sweats blood. Despite its rarity, it is a real medical condition and not related to myths or mystical beliefs.

People with hematohidrosis can sweat blood or blood appear from the pores of the skin even though they are not in pain or injured. This condition can occur differently in each person; some experience sweat with faint blood, while others experience thick blood.

Read more: Is It True That Many Sweats Means They Have Exercised Well?

Causes of Hematohidrosis

Hematohidrosis is a rare condition that makes it difficult for researchers to determine its causes and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of this condition can vary from person to person.

Sometimes, bleeding occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks. Blood vessels closer to the skin's surface, such as those near sweat glands and mucous membranes, are more prone to tearing. This is why hematodrosis - a medical condition where a person sweats blood - often happens near the nose, forehead, and other body parts near sweat glands or mucous membranes.

Some conditions that can cause hematohidrosis include:

Physical and psychological stress

Hematodrosis can occur when someone feels very afraid or stressed. When someone experiences prolonged fear or stress, the body will fight-or-flight. The body will naturally release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, preparing itself to fight or flee danger. When stressed, small blood vessels in the skin are at risk of bursting so that the blood in them can escape through the sweat glands.

Nervous system disorders

Experts suspect that nervous system problems can cause a person to experience blood sweat. According to Medical News Today, in a case study of hematohidrosis in a 12-year-old girl, it was reported that she had no history of bleeding disorders, psychological problems, or stress. Doctors treated these patients by administering certain nerve function inhibitors, and the condition did not recur.

Apart from the causes mentioned above, doctors also suspect that hematohidrosis may be caused by congenital blood vessel damage from birth. Another theory suggests that this condition is caused by psychogenic purpura, also known as Gardner-Diamond syndrome.

Symptoms of Hematohidrosis

The visible symptom of someone suffering from hematohidrosis is bleeding from the skin. Sweat usually occurs in the facial area but can also be seen from the nose, mouth, or stomach. Hematidrosis can look like blood, bloody sweat, or sweat with blood droplets in it.

Read more: Causes Of Sweat In Babies And How To Overcome Them

Hematohidrosis Treatment

There are no guidelines for treating hematohidrosis due to the lack of research on this condition. Before providing any treatment, the doctor will conduct various examinations such as blood tests, biopsies, psychological tests, and neurological tests.

Some common treatments given to people with hematohidrosis include the following drugs:

• Beta-blockers are drugs to prevent excessive capillary dilation in the eccrine glands
• Anxiolytics are  drugs to treat anxiety and bleeding caused by stress
• Antidepressants are drugs to treat anxiety and depression that may cause bleeding

Is it possible for Hematohidrosis to be deadly?

Experiencing bloody sweat can be a scary experience for both the individual and those in their vicinity. However, hematohidrosis, or bloody sweat, is typically not a dangerous condition. The blood that mixes with sweat comes from small blood vessels near the skin's surface rather than deep veins or arteries. This means that there is minimal risk of death due to bleeding from hematohidrosis.

Want to know more information about other diseases? Click here!