Miliaria
| Miliaria | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Typical red spots on chest, neck and shoulders, caused by miliaria rubra | |
| Classification and external resources | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| ICD-10 | L74.0-L74.3 |
| ICD-9-CM | 705.1 |
| DiseasesDB | 31431 |
| eMedicine | derm/266 |
| MeSH | D008883 |
Miliaria (/ˌmɪl.iˈɛər.i.ə/; also called "sweat rash", "heat rash" or "prickly heat") is a skin disease marked by small and itchy rashes. Miliaria is a common ailment in hot and humid conditions, such as in the tropics and during the summer season. Although it affects people of all ages, it is especially common in children and infants due to their underdeveloped sweat glands.
Symptoms of miliaria include small red rashes, called papules, which are irritated and itchy. These may simultaneously occur at a number of areas on a sufferer's body, the most common including the upper chest, neck, elbow creases, under the breasts and under the scrotum. Other areas include skin folds, areas of the body that may rub against clothing, such as the back, chest, and stomach, etc. A related and sometimes simultaneous condition is folliculitis, where hair follicles become plugged with foreign matter, resulting in inflammation.
The symptoms relating to miliaria should not be confused with shingles as they can be very similar. Shingles will restrict itself to one side of the body but also has a rash-like appearance. It is also accompanied by a prickling sensation and pain throughout the region. Those who suspect they have shingles and not miliaria should seek medical advice immediately as the sooner antivirals are taken, the better.
Miliaria can be classified according to the top level at which obstruction occurs in the sweat glands.
The most superficial obstruction (with the most mild clinical presentation), is known as miliaria crystalline; instead of a rash, the patient presents with multiple tiny blister-like lesions that look like beads of perspiration and essentially cause no symptoms.Miliaria crystalline is also known as "Miliaria crystallina," and "Sudamina". The superficial vesicles are not associated with an inflammatory reaction.
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