miliaria (heat rash, sweat rash)

Etiology

• Miliaria crystallina
• Miliaria rubra
• Miliaria profunda

* based upon the level at which the occlusion occurs

Pathology

• occlusion of sweat glands in the dermis & epidermis resulting in milia

Clinical manifestations

• milia or small erythematous papules or papule/vesicles
• pruritus, burning, prickling
• rash may be confined to dependent parts of the body
• may be found on back of ventilated ICU patients in a supine position for a prolonged period of time

* images

Laboratory

• laboratory tests are 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
• talcum or cornstarch may be used to dry the skin

More general terms

• skin disease (dermatologic disorder, dermatopathy, dermatosis)
• heat injury; heat stress; heat illness

More specific terms

• lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei; facial idiopathic granulomas with regressive evolution (LMDF, FIGURE)
• miliaria crystallina
• miliaria profunda
• miliaria pustolosa
• miliaria rubra (prickly heat)

Additional terms

• milium