Miliaria
Today’s topic is ‘miliaria’, also known as sweat rash. Miliaria occurs when sweat accumulates because part of the sweat duct or sweat pore is blocked while sweat is being secreted through the epidermis.
As shown in the picture, depending on where the sweat duct is blocked, miliaria is divided into three types:
1) Miliaria Crystalline
2) Miliaria Rubra
3) Miliaria Profunda
Miliaria mainly occurs in newborns or people who sweat a lot in hot and humid areas, and it occurs equally regardless of race and gender.
1) Miliaria Crystalline
This is characterized by transparent shallow blisters about 1mm in size scattered around, with no inflammatory response or subjective symptoms. It mainly occurs on the armpits, head, neck, and upper body, and usually heals naturally without treatment.
2) Miliaria Rubra
Usually, this is accompanied by severe itching and occurs as red nodules or blisters mainly on the body, the bending areas of the arms and legs, and the neck, but not on the face.
3) Miliaria Profunda
This mainly occurs in tropical climates after a long period of suffering from Miliaria Rubra. There are no inflammatory changes or itching, and the function of the sweat glands is decreased or lost. The basic treatment for miliaria is to be in a cool environment, evaporate sweat well with air conditioning and fans, and taking a large amount of vitamin C can also help. Miliaria Crystalline usually improves on its own, and for Miliaria Rubra, the use of mild or moderate local steroids can help if there is inflammation or itching.
The commonly seen transparent Miliaria Crystalline has no symptoms and improves on its own, Miliaria Rubra is very itchy and local steroids or antihistamines can be helpful for treatment. Most importantly, you should stay in a cool environment.