Prickly Heat
Introduction
Miliaria, also known as heat rash, sweat rash or prickly heat, is a common skin disease caused by blockage and/or inflammation of eccrine sweat ducts.
- The blockage leads to backflow of eccrine sweat into the dermis or epidermis, resulting in rash comprised of sweat-filled vesicles under the skin.
- The rash is usually self-limited and resolves independently of treatment.
Management
Treatment of miliaria is cooling and drying of the involved areas and avoidance of conditions that may induce sweating.
- Avoiding excessive and occlusive clothing
- Using air conditioning
- Limiting activity
- Avoiding hot and humid weather
- Frequent cool showers or cool baths with mild soap
Once the rash develops, calamine lotion or topical mild corticosteroid can be used, sometimes with a bit of menthol added.
- Topical antiseptics and anti-staphylococcal antibiotics for secondary infection.
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