Miliaria

Miliaria, also known as prickly heat or sweat rash, is a common skin condition characterized by small, itchy, and inflamed bumps on the skin. It occurs when the skin's sweat glands become blocked and trap sweat, leading to inflammation and irritation.

Causes

The main cause of miliaria is overheating, which can be due to various factors such as:

• High temperatures and humidity
• Intense physical activity or exercise
• Wearing tight or heavy clothing that traps heat and moisture
• Using certain medications, such as steroids or beta-blockers
• Having a medical condition, such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

Symptoms

The symptoms of miliaria can vary in severity and may include:

• Small, itchy, and inflamed bumps or blisters on the skin
• Redness and swelling around the affected area
• A prickling or stinging sensation on the skin
• Sweating and moisture accumulation in the affected area
• Fever, in severe cases

Types of Miliaria

There are three main types of miliaria:

• Miliaria crystallina: characterized by small, clear bumps that appear on the skin's surface
• Miliaria rubra: characterized by red, itchy bumps that occur when the sweat glands are blocked and inflamed
• Miliaria profunda: a more severe form of miliaria that occurs when the deeper layers of the skin are affected, leading to larger, more painful bumps

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for miliaria typically involves:

• Keeping the affected area cool and dry
• Wearing loose, lightweight clothing that allows for good airflow
• Avoiding strenuous physical activity or exercise in hot weather
• Using calamine lotion or other topical creams to reduce itching and inflammation
• Taking cool baths or showers to help reduce body temperature

Complications

In rare cases, miliaria can lead to complications such as:

• Bacterial or fungal infections of the skin
• Heat exhaustion or heat stroke, if left untreated
• Scarring or hyperpigmentation of the affected area

Diagnosis

Miliaria is typically diagnosed based on a physical examination and medical history. In some cases, a skin scraping or biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions.