Yes, it is possible-but it is extremely rare.
The condition is called hematidrosis (also known as hematohidrosis). In documented cases, people excrete blood or blood-tinged fluid through sweat glands or hair follicles, usually from the face, scalp, or hands. It is not typical sweating and it is not common bleeding; it is a medical anomaly observed only in a small number of cases worldwide.

Most people will never encounter this condition, and seeing blood mixed with sweat does not automatically mean hematidrosis. Far more common explanations-such as skin injuries, nosebleeds, infections, or dye transfer-account for the vast majority of cases.

This question resurfaces globally every few months, often driven by:

  • Viral videos or photos claiming “sweating blood”
  • References in historical or religious texts
  • Scenes in movies or TV shows
  • Social media anecdotes shared without medical context

Because the idea sounds impossible or shocking, it spreads quickly-especially when paired with images that look alarming but lack verification.

What’s Confirmed vs What’s Unclear

at’s confirmed

  • Hematidrosis is real, documented in peer-reviewed medical literature.
  • It appears to be associated with extreme physical or emotional stress, anxiety disorders, or acute fear.
  • The blood originates from tiny capillaries around sweat glands that rupture under stress and mix with sweat.
  • Episodes are typically temporary and resolve when the underlying trigger is addressed.

at’s unclear

  • The exact biological mechanism is not fully understood.
  • Why it affects a tiny number of people and not others under similar stress remains unknown.
  • There is no single diagnostic test; diagnosis is clinical and by exclusion.

What People Are Getting Wrong

Several misconceptions fuel confusion:

  • “People can sweat pure blood.”
    No. The fluid is sweat mixed with blood, not blood produced by sweat glands.

  • “It’s a sign of a deadly disease.”
    Not necessarily. While distressing, hematidrosis itself is not usually fatal.

  • “Any bloody sweat is hematidrosis.”
    Incorrect. Skin cuts, burst pimples, dermatitis, nosebleeds, or even colored cosmetics can mimic it.

  • “It happens often under stress.”
    Extreme stress is common; hematidrosis is not.

Real-World Impact (Everyday Scenarios)

Scenario 1: A student under severe exam stress
A teenager presents with red-tinged sweat on the forehead before major exams. Medical evaluation rules out skin injury and confirms rare hematidrosis. Treatment focuses on anxiety management, not surgery or medication for bleeding.

Scenario 2: A viral video circulates online
A clip shows someone “sweating blood,” prompting panic. Later, it’s revealed to be a nosebleed mixed with sweat during intense heat. This is far more typical than true hematidrosis.

Benefits, Risks & Limitations

nefits (of understanding the condition)

  • Reduces panic and misinformation
  • Helps people seek appropriate medical evaluation instead of self-diagnosing
  • Encourages mental health support when stress is a trigger

sks and limitations

  • Misdiagnosis is common due to its rarity
  • Public fear can delay proper care
  • Overemphasis online may lead people to ignore simpler explanations

What to Watch Next

If someone notices blood appearing with sweat:

  • Watch for recurrence, location, and triggers
  • Note whether there are visible skin breaks
  • Seek medical evaluation if episodes repeat or occur without explanation

What You Can Ignore Safely

  • Claims that sweating blood is common
  • Posts suggesting supernatural causes
  • Videos without medical confirmation
  • Assertions that it predicts imminent death

Is sweating blood painful?
Usually no, though the underlying stress or condition may be distressing.

Can children experience this?
Yes, rare cases have been reported in both children and adults.

Is it contagious?
No.

How is it treated?
By addressing the underlying cause-often stress, anxiety, or blood pressure regulation.