Heat rash, also called miliaria, is a condition of the skin that arises when sweat ducts become clogged and sweat gets trapped under the skin. While miliaria has traditionally been linked with hot, humid environments, the condition exists among people of any age, such as babies, children, and adults. At Heights Dermatology, we are dedicated to aiding in your understanding of your skin conditions and what could be causing them, such as miliaria.
What Causes Miliaria?
Miliaria is usually due to excessive sweat, particularly where there is both heat and humidity. If sweat glands are overloaded or clogged, the sweat cannot be discharged on the skin surface. It becomes trapped under the skin surface, causing irritation and resulting in a rash.
A number of factors can contribute towards miliaria, including:
- Overheating from hot weather or excessive clothing
- A lot of exercise or strenuous exercise
- Extended bed rest or lying in one position for long periods
- Excessive application of skin oils or creams that block pores
- Immature sweat ducts,common in newborns
Common Symptoms of Miliaria
Symptoms of miliaria depend on the rash's severity and type. It most often occurs over locations where sweat accumulates, like around the armpits, chest, back, and folds of arms and legs.
There are three principal forms of miliaria:
- Miliaria crystallina: The least serious of the three, with small, clear bumps that rupture easily.
- Miliaria rubra: More common, characterized by red, scratchy, and prickly skin with inflamed lumps.
- Miliaria profunda: The least frequent and most serious form, in which sweat leaks into deeper skin layers, resulting in bigger, hard bumps.
While miliaria is not contagious and is not usually serious, it may be uncomfortable and persist if not treated correctly. Also, repeated or chronic heat rash may indicate an underlying condition with your skin’s sweat-regulation ability.
Do Not Let Miliaria Interfere with Your Comfort
Do not let a recurring or persistent rash interfere with miliaria going untreated. Our skilled dermatologists in Houston at Heights Dermatology are ready to examine your skin and figure out what is causing the symptoms. Contact today and begin your journey to healthier, more comfortable skin.
Heights Dermatology provides expert care for miliaria, offering effective solutions to relieve heat rash and prevent future flare-ups caused by blocked sweat glands. Heights Dermatology also treats related conditions such as excessive sweating, eczema, and dermatitis to help maintain smooth, irritation-free, and healthy skin.
