Some say the illness could account for the Biblical ‘Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane’, where Jesus is said to have sweated blood.
The patient – who cannot be named – started showing symptoms three to four times a day while preparing for exams a few months ago.
She was initially diagnosed with a skin infection and given a course of medication, but the problem continued and doctors had to reconsider.
Now medics at the Quy Hoa National Leprosy Dermatology Hospital believe that the girl, 11, has hematidrosis.
Hospital director Vu Tuan Anh said just one in 10,000,000 were affected by the phenomenon.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
He said: “It is characterised by blood oozing from skin. “The bleeding is due to the rupture of the very small blood vessels of the skin.
“The cause of hematidrosis is not well known, but factors include increased vascular pressure, inflammation of the vessels of the skin, bleeding disorders, menstruation and high blood pressure.
“Fear and intense emotional stress could also play a role in the cause of the disease, and symptoms may occur spontaneously or after emotional stress.”
According to scripture, Jesus sweated blood after accepting that he would be betrayed, having pleaded with god, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”.
In the special paper, On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ, Dr William Edwards concludes: “Luke’s description supports the diagnosis of hematidrosis.”
Other symptoms include bloody tears – like James Bond’s nemesis in Casino Royale, Le Chiffre.
The patient in this case is one of three kids and is the middle child, but nobody else in the family has faced hematidrosis.
Dr Anh said treatment was difficult, and mainly focused on dealing with the symptoms and reducing anxiety.
“Treatment is a challenge,” he said. “We may use vitamin C, antidepressants and propranolol but results are undefined.
“Hematidrosis does not affect lifespan but can cause discomfort and fear. It can also cause stigma in social situations and so reduce quality of life.”
Past investigations into the condition have revealed no abnormalities in the blood or sweat glands of patients, and no visible skin damage.