Miliaria Heat rash – Prickly Heat Introduction

8/3/2019 Miliaria Heat rash – Prickly Heat Introduction

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MiliariaMiliariaHeat rashHeat rash Prickly Heat Prickly Heat

IntroductionIntroduction



The Skin's FunctionThe Skin's Function

The skin's job is to protect the inside of the body from the outside world, and acts as aThe skin's job is to protect the inside of the body from the outside world, and acts as apreventive barrier against intruders (for example, infection, chemicals, or ultraviolet light). It preventive barrier against intruders (for example, infection, chemicals, or ultraviolet light). It also plays an important role in the body's temperature control. One way that the body coolsalso plays an important role in the body's temperature control. One way that the body coolsitself is by sweating, and allowing that sweat or perspiration to evaporate. Sweat isitself is by sweating, and allowing that sweat or perspiration to evaporate. Sweat ismanufactured in sweat glands that line the entire body (except for a few small spots likemanufactured in sweat glands that line the entire body (except for a few small spots likefingers, toenails, and the ear canal).fingers, toenails, and the ear canal).Sweat glands are located in the dermis or deep layer of the skin, and are regulated by theSweat glands are located in the dermis or deep layer of the skin, and are regulated by thetemperature control centers in the brain. Sweat from the gland gets to the surface of the skintemperature control centers in the brain. Sweat from the gland gets to the surface of the skinby a duct.by a duct.



What Is Heat Rash?What Is Heat Rash?

A heat rash occurs when sweat ducts become clogged and the sweat can't get to the surface of A heat rash occurs when sweat ducts become clogged and the sweat can't get to the surface of

the skin. Instead, it becomes trapped beneath the skin's surface causing a mild inflammation orthe skin. Instead, it becomes trapped beneath the skin's surface causing a mild inflammation orrash. Common names for heat rash include prickly heat or miliaria. Other heat rashes includerash. Common names for heat rash include prickly heat or miliaria. Other heat rashes includeheat urticaria (hives) and sweat retention. Heat rash is prevalent in the summer months andheat urticaria (hives) and sweat retention. Heat rash is prevalent in the summer months andparticularly in humid climates. The condition usually is self particularly in humid climates. The condition usually is self--limited and resolves in hours to alimited and resolves in hours to afew days without treatment. Rarely, it may be more severe requiring professional medical care.few days without treatment. Rarely, it may be more severe requiring professional medical care.



What Are the Symptoms of Heat Rash in Children and Adults?What Are the Symptoms of Heat Rash in Children and Adults?

The common symptoms of heat rash are red bumps on the skin, and an itchy or prickly feelingThe common symptoms of heat rash are red bumps on the skin, and an itchy or prickly feelingto the skin. These are due to inflammation of the superficial layers of the skin and the pricklyto the skin. These are due to inflammation of the superficial layers of the skin and the prickly

sensation is similar to the feeling of mild sunburn.The symptoms of heat rash are the same insensation is similar to the feeling of mild sunburn.

The symptoms of heat rash are the same ininfants and adults; however, since an infant can't complain about the rash sensation, he or sheinfants and adults; however, since an infant can't complain about the rash sensation, he or she

may be fussy.may be fussy. A ny body part may be affected. A reas characteristically affected by heat rash include the face, A ny body part may be affected. A reas characteristically affected by heat rash include the face,neck, back, abdomen, groin, under the breasts, elbow folds, and buttocks.neck, back, abdomen, groin, under the breasts, elbow folds, and buttocks.



Heat Rash TypesHeat Rash Types

There are four types of heat rash (miliaria):There are four types of heat rash (miliaria):1. Clear (miliaria crystalline),1. Clear (miliaria crystalline),2. Red (miliaria rubra),2. Red (miliaria rubra),3. White/Yellow (miliaria pustulosa),3. White/Yellow (miliaria pustulosa),4. Deep (miliaria profunda).4. Deep (miliaria profunda).



Clear Heat Rash (Miliaria Crystalline)Clear Heat Rash (Miliaria Crystalline)

Tiny blisters that look like small beads of sweat are seen if the sweat is blocked at the most Tiny blisters that look like small beads of sweat are seen if the sweat is blocked at the most superficial layers of the skin where the sweat duct opens on the skin surface. Miliaria crystallinesuperficial layers of the skin where the sweat duct opens on the skin surface. Miliaria crystalline

has no symptoms other than these "sweat bubbles."has no symptoms other than these "sweat bubbles."



Red Heat Rash (Miliaria Rubra)Red Heat Rash (Miliaria Rubra)

If the sweat causes inflammation in the deeper layers of the epidermis, the classic heat rashIf the sweat causes inflammation in the deeper layers of the epidermis, the classic heat rashoccurs, which is referred to as miliaria rubra. Like any other inflammation, the area becomesoccurs, which is referred to as miliaria rubra. Like any other inflammation, the area becomesred (and therefore the name rubra) and the blisters become slightly larger. Because the sweat red (and therefore the name rubra) and the blisters become slightly larger. Because the sweat glands are blocked and don't deliver sweat to the skin's surface, the area involved is dry andglands are blocked and don't deliver sweat to the skin's surface, the area involved is dry andcan be irritated, itchy, and sore. This rash is also called prickly heat.can be irritated, itchy, and sore. This rash is also called prickly heat.



White/Yellow Heat Rash (Miliaria Pustulosa)White/Yellow Heat Rash (Miliaria Pustulosa)

When pustules (collections of pus) develop in lesions of miliaria rubra, the term miliariaWhen pustules (collections of pus) develop in lesions of miliaria rubra, the term miliariapustulosa is used.pustulosa is used.



Deep Heat Rash (Miliaria Profunda)Deep Heat Rash (Miliaria Profunda)

Less commonly, after repeated episodes of prickly heat, the heat rash may inflame the deeperLess commonly, after repeated episodes of prickly heat, the heat rash may inflame the deeperlayer of the skin called the dermis, and cause miliaria profunda. This rash is made up of larger,layer of the skin called the dermis, and cause miliaria profunda. This rash is made up of larger,harder bumps that are more skin colored. The rash begins almost immediately after exercise, andharder bumps that are more skin colored. The rash begins almost immediately after exercise, andno sweat can be found on the affected areas. This type of heat rash may be potentially moreno sweat can be found on the affected areas. This type of heat rash may be potentially moredangerous if enough skin is involved, since the lack of sweating can lead to heat dangerous if enough skin is involved, since the lack of sweating can lead to heat--related illnessesrelated illnesseslike heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.



What Are the Causes of Heat Rash?What Are the Causes of Heat Rash?

It is uncertain why some people get heat rashes andIt is uncertain why some people get heat rashes andothers don't. A s mentioned, sweat gland ducts can get others don't. A s mentioned, sweat gland ducts can get blocked if excessive sweating occurs, and that sweat isblocked if excessive sweating occurs, and that sweat isnot allowed to evaporate from a specific area. Somenot allowed to evaporate from a specific area. Someexamples of how blockage may occur include theexamples of how blockage may occur include thefollowing:following:

Creases in the skin like the neck, armpit, or groin haveCreases in the skin like the neck, armpit, or groin haveskin touching adjacent skin, which makes it difficult forskin touching adjacent skin, which makes it difficult forair to circulate, preventing sweat evaporation.air to circulate, preventing sweat evaporation.

Tight clothing that prevents sweat evaporation.Tight clothing that prevents sweat evaporation. Bundling up in heavy clothing or sheets. This may occurBundling up in heavy clothing or sheets. This may occur

when a person tries to keep warm in wintertime or whenwhen a person tries to keep warm in wintertime or whenchilled because of an illness and fever.chilled because of an illness and fever. Heavy creams or lotions can clog sweat ducts.Heavy creams or lotions can clog sweat ducts. Heat rash may occur as a side effect of someHeat rash may occur as a side effect of some

medications (for example, isotretinoin [ A ccutane] ormedications (for example, isotretinoin [ A ccutane] or

clonidine [Catapres]).clonidine [Catapres]).



Who Is At Risk for Heat Rash?Who Is At Risk for Heat Rash?

Newborns, infants, and the elderly are at risk forNewborns, infants, and the elderly are at risk fordeveloping heat rash. They are especially at riskdeveloping heat rash. They are especially at riskif they are immobile for long periods of time andif they are immobile for long periods of time and

parts of the skin aren't exposed to circulatingparts of the skin aren't exposed to circulatingair, which results in the inability of the sweat air, which results in the inability of the sweat ducts to "breathe" (evaporative cooling). Heat ducts to "breathe" (evaporative cooling). Heat rashes are more common in places with hot,rashes are more common in places with hot,

humid climates because people sweat more.humid climates because people sweat more.Intense exercise associated with lots of sweatingIntense exercise associated with lots of sweatingmay cause a heat rash, especially if the clothingmay cause a heat rash, especially if the clothingworn does not allow adequate air circulation.worn does not allow adequate air circulation.



Why Are Babies So Prone to Heat Rash?Why Are Babies So Prone to Heat Rash?

Babies have immature sweat glands that aren't able to get rid of all the sweat they produce,Babies have immature sweat glands that aren't able to get rid of all the sweat they produce,which can cause a heat rash if they are exposed to warm weather, are overdressed, excessivelywhich can cause a heat rash if they are exposed to warm weather, are overdressed, excessivelybundled, or have a fever.bundled, or have a fever.



Home Remedy Treatments for Heat RashHome Remedy Treatments for Heat Rash

Heat rash often resolves on its own when the skin cools. If the prickly sensation persists,Heat rash often resolves on its own when the skin cools. If the prickly sensation persists,calamine lotion may be helpful. Some clinicians also recommend overcalamine lotion may be helpful. Some clinicians also recommend over--thethe--countercounter

hydrocortisone creams or sprays. Some people suggest that vitamin A or vitamin C creams mayhydrocortisone creams or sprays. Some people suggest that vitamin A or vitamin C creams maybe effective to treat heat rash, and though there is no evidence that they work, there is littlebe effective to treat heat rash, and though there is no evidence that they work, there is littleharm in these treatments.harm in these treatments.



Medical Treatment for Heat RashMedical Treatment for Heat RashHeat rash or prickly heat resolves on its own once the skin cools, but on occasion the sweat Heat rash or prickly heat resolves on its own once the skin cools, but on occasion the sweat

glands can become infected. The signs of infection include pain, increased swelling, andglands can become infected. The signs of infection include pain, increased swelling, andredness that does not resolve. Pustules may form at the site of the rash. This infection occursredness that does not resolve. Pustules may form at the site of the rash. This infection occursbecause bacteria have invaded the blocked sweat gland. A ntibiotic treatment may be required.because bacteria have invaded the blocked sweat gland. A ntibiotic treatment may be required.

Chronic and recurrent heat rash may need to be treated by a health care practitioner orChronic and recurrent heat rash may need to be treated by a health care practitioner ordermatologist (skin specialist).dermatologist (skin specialist).



How Can Heat Rash Be Prevented?How Can Heat Rash Be Prevented?

Prevention is the most important treatment for heat rash. By allowing the skin to bePrevention is the most important treatment for heat rash. By allowing the skin to beexposed to circulating air, the potential for sweat glands to become inflamed decreases.exposed to circulating air, the potential for sweat glands to become inflamed decreases.

Other strategies to prevent heat rash include:Other strategies to prevent heat rash include:avoid exercising in hot, humid weather,avoid exercising in hot, humid weather,wear loose clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton,wear loose clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton,use air conditioning, anduse air conditioning, andkeep the skin clean with frequent baths or showers to prevent sweat glands from becomingkeep the skin clean with frequent baths or showers to prevent sweat glands from becomingclogged.clogged.



How to Protect Yourself When Temperatures AreHow to Protect Yourself When Temperatures AreExtremely HighExtremely High

The body can adapt very well in hot weather, but it The body can adapt very well in hot weather, but it takes time to acclimate. The actual temperature is just takes time to acclimate. The actual temperature is just one factor when a person decides to work, play, orone factor when a person decides to work, play, orexercise in the heat. The heat index adds humidity toexercise in the heat. The heat index adds humidity to

the equation since sweat cannot evaporate if the waterthe equation since sweat cannot evaporate if the watercontent in the air (humidity) is high. If the air holds ascontent in the air (humidity) is high. If the air holds asmuch water as it can there is no place for sweat to go,much water as it can there is no place for sweat to go,and evaporation cannot cool the body.and evaporation cannot cool the body.

To avoid heat To avoid heat--related illnesses, avoid working orrelated illnesses, avoid working or

exercising in extreme heat. If it is required, to avoidexercising in extreme heat. If it is required, to avoiddehydration and other complications, take frequent dehydration and other complications, take frequent breaks to get out of the heat and drink plenty of fluids tobreaks to get out of the heat and drink plenty of fluids toreplenish fluid lost via sweat.replenish fluid lost via sweat.



How MuchWater Should I Drink in HotHow MuchWater Should I Drink in HotWeather?Weather?

It is hard to gauge how much water is lost throughIt is hard to gauge how much water is lost throughsweat, and the thirst mechanism may not be sensitivesweat, and the thirst mechanism may not be sensitiveenough to remind a person to drink enough. In general,enough to remind a person to drink enough. In general,the kidneys are a good guide to whether there is enoughthe kidneys are a good guide to whether there is enoughwater in the body. If the body is dehydrated, the kidneyswater in the body. If the body is dehydrated, the kidneys

will try to hold on to as much water as possible.will try to hold on to as much water as possible.Symptoms and signs of the kidneys preserving water areSymptoms and signs of the kidneys preserving water aredecreased urine production, urine concentrated in color,decreased urine production, urine concentrated in color,and a strong urine odor. Urine is clear when there isand a strong urine odor. Urine is clear when there isenough fluid in the body.enough fluid in the body.

In a hot environment, a person should drink enoughIn a hot environment, a person should drink enoughwater to make the urine clear, and make sure the bodywater to make the urine clear, and make sure the bodyis producing sweat.is producing sweat.



Should I Take Salt Tablets During HotWeather?Should I Take Salt Tablets During HotWeather?

Taking salt tablets is rarely a good idea. While the body loses many electrolytesTaking salt tablets is rarely a good idea. While the body loses many electrolyteswhen it sweats, there are mechanisms in place to compensate for the loss.when it sweats, there are mechanisms in place to compensate for the loss.

Usually, keeping the body hydrated with plain water is adequate but does not Usually, keeping the body hydrated with plain water is adequate but does not rere--supply electrolytes. Sports drinks (for example, Powerade, Gatorade) maysupply electrolytes. Sports drinks (for example, Powerade, Gatorade) maybe reasonable alternatives.be reasonable alternatives.



What Is the Best Clothing for HotWeather or a Heat Wave?What Is the Best Clothing for HotWeather or a Heat Wave?

Evaporation works to cool the skin only if the sweat that the body produces isEvaporation works to cool the skin only if the sweat that the body produces is

allowed to evaporate. Lightweight, loose clothing allows air circulation to theallowed to evaporate. Lightweight, loose clothing allows air circulation to thebody's surface and helps promote cooling. While cotton is the classic fabric that body's surface and helps promote cooling. While cotton is the classic fabric that can be used, some synthetic fabrics have been developed to wick sweat fromcan be used, some synthetic fabrics have been developed to wick sweat from

the skin and allow more efficient skin or body cooling.the skin and allow more efficient skin or body cooling.



Thanks for reading!Thanks for reading!

Prep.: Prabhu Venugopal

Miliaria Heat rash – Prickly Heat Introduction

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