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Miliaria (miliaria rubra, sweat rash or prickly heat) is skin disease marked by small and itchy rashes caused by plugged sweat ducts. Miliaria is a common condition in hot and humid conditions, such as in the tropics and during the summer season. Although it can affect a person of any age, miliaria is most commonly found in infants.
Symptoms
Symptoms of miliaria include small and red rashes usually located in skin folds and on areas of the body that may rub against clothing, such as the back, chest, and stomach. These often itch or have a 'pins-and-needles' sensation.
In a similar, mild condition called miliaria crystalina, instead of small rashes, there are tiny blisters that look like beads of perspiration.
In miliaria profunda, a severe form of miliaria caused by a complication due to repeated outbreaks of miliaria rubra, the sweat ducts are completely blocked. This inability to sweat may cause the patient to be prone to heat exhaustion.
Prevention
Miliaria is best prevented by avoiding activities that induce sweating, using air conditioning to cool the room, and wearing cool clothing.
Treatment
Although there is currently no treatment for miliaria rubra, in most cases the rashes disappear by themselves within several weeks. Anti-itch lotion, such as calamine and topical steroids can be used to control the itching symptom. Oral antibacterial and topical antiseptic can be used to prevent bacterial infections. In some cases, vitamin A and C supplements can help shorten the duration and severity of the symptoms.
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