Miliaria

(Redirected from Miliaria (Heat Rash))

Background

  • Also known as heat rash, lichen tropicus, miliaria rubra, prickly heat

Pathophysiology

  • Acute inflammation of sweat ducts caused by blockage of pores by macerated skin
  • Ducts become dilated under pressure and ultimately rupture
  • Often seen in areas of friction
  • This produces superficial vesicles in malpighian layer of skin on a red base
  • May progress to miliaria profunda (white papules) if duct ruptures a second time

Clinical Features

Miliaria
  • Pruritic, maculopapular, erythematous rash over normally clothed areas of body

Differential Diagnosis

Environmental heat diagnoses

Maculopapular rashes

Evaluation

  • Clinical diagnosis

Management

  1. Antihistamines
  2. Dicloxacillin or erythromycin, if appears superinfected

Disposition

  • Outpatient

See Also

References