Miliaria Information and Treatment 

A syndrome of cutaneous changes related with sweat retention and extravasation of sweat at different levels in the skin. It is caused by clogged pores which are the small openings of sweat glands onto the skin. Miliaria is also called "Prickly heat".

Miliaria forms from obstruction of the sweat ducts. It is commonest in hot, damp conditions but may occur in desert regions. In New Zealand, miliaria is most usual during humid summer weather. Activities which inspire sweating and the wearing of synthetic clothing against the skin are important precipitating factors.

Miliaria can be produced trial based in susceptible subjects by injury to the epidermis (ie. surface layers of the skin). Heat and humidity are factors convoluted in the cause of miliaria. Though it affects people of all ages, it is especially common in children and infants due to their underdeveloped sweat glands.

Miliaria is a general problem in one to two month old babies. In the beginning few months of life babies' sweat glands can block very easily leading to different forms of miliaria. Symptoms of miliaria shows small and red rashes often sited in skin folds and on areas of the body that can rub against clothing, as the back, and stomach.

There are three kinds of Miliaria based on where the damage of the sweat duct occurs.  Miliaria is best forestalled by avoiding activities that induce sweating, using air conditioning to cool the room, and wearing cool clothing. Keeping the baby cool in hot weather is important. Nappies should be checked often and changed if wet. Anti-itch lotion, like as calamine and topical steroids can be used to manage the itching symptom.