miliaria crystallina

Etiology

• mild damage to the keratin layer of the epidermis
• mild thermal injury or sunburn
• in infants, miliaria crystallina may result from immature sweat glands
• may occur after phototherapy
• prolonged supine position

Pathology

• sloughing of keratin & clogging of sweat pores
• thin-walled vesicles may be seen with sweating
• inflammation is minimal

Clinical manifestations

• generally asymptomatic & very rarely causes clinical problems
• fragile 2-3 mm thin walled vesicles
• distribution:
  • face
  • neck
  • upper trunk
• no associated erythema
• may occur in areas of desquamating sunburn

* images (see miliaria)

Laboratory

not useful in diagnosis of miliaria

Management

(common to all forms of miliaria)

• moving to cooler environment
• application of cool compresses
• wearing light, loose-fitting clothing
• avoidance of greasy topical agents
• natural desquamation
• ensure adequate hydration

More general terms

• miliaria (heat rash, sweat rash)