OBJECTIVETo investigate the pathology, diagnosis and treatment of a patient with hemotidrosis.

METHODSCoagulation tests, coagulation factor activities, von Willebrand factor concentration, bleeding time and platelet aggregation were measured. The bloody exudates from the skin was examined under light microscopy. The involved skin area biopsy was examined histologically.

RESULTSThe bloody exudates contained all kinds of normal blood cells mixed with sweat-like fluid, rather than true-sweat. Histopathologic examination showed normal sweat gland structure without blood cells. The patient was successfully treated with propranolol.

CONCLUSIONSympathetic nerve activation in the vasculature might play a role in hemotidrasis, and beta-blockers might be an effective drug for treatment.