From the Research
Hematohidrosis is an extremely rare condition with fewer than 100 documented cases in medical literature, as reported in the most recent study 1. The exact number of cases varies depending on the source, but most medical reviews suggest approximately 76-100 confirmed cases throughout recorded history. This condition involves the excretion of blood or blood-tinged fluid through intact skin or sweat glands, often triggered by extreme physical or emotional stress. The physiological mechanism is believed to involve increased sympathetic activation causing constriction of blood vessels around sweat glands, which then dilate and rupture, allowing blood to mix with sweat. Some key points about hematohidrosis include:
- Cases have been documented across different ages and genders, though it appears more frequently in women.
- Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying psychological stress with beta-blockers like propranolol (10-40 mg daily), anxiolytics, or antidepressants, along with psychological counseling, as suggested by 2.
- The condition is generally self-limiting and not life-threatening, though it can cause significant distress to those experiencing it due to its alarming presentation.
- A recent case report and review of the pathophysiology and therapeutics of adult hematohidrosis 1 provides valuable insights into the condition, highlighting the importance of considering hematohidrosis as a differential diagnosis in patients with normal physical and laboratory investigations.
- Other studies, such as 3, 4, and 5, also report on the rarity and characteristics of hematohidrosis, but the most recent and highest-quality study 1 provides the most relevant and up-to-date information.