Miliaria

Miliaria, in all forms, is due to the occlusion or disruption of the eccrine sweat ducts at various levels of the skin due to excessive sweating in hot or humid environments.

Miliaria crystallina consists of non-folliculocentric, asymptomatic, fragile, clear vesicles that rupture easily with prompt self-resolution.

Miliaria rubra consists of non-folliculocentric, erythematous papulovesicles with associated pruritus.

Miliaria profunda consists of non-folliculocentric, pruritic flesh-coloured papules as a result of multiple bouts of miliaria rubra. This form of miliaria is often associated with anhidrosis of the affected skin and can result in heat exhaustion.

The main treatment of choice for all forms of miliaria is placement of the patient in a cool environment.

Miliaria is a generic term referring to a cutaneous eruption due to retention of sweat as a result of occlusion or disruption of eccrine sweat ducts. The three types of miliaria are miliaria crystallina, miliaria rubra, and miliaria profunda.[1]Wenzel FG, Horn TD. Nonneoplastic disorders of the eccrine glands. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998 Jan;38(1):1-17; quiz 18-20. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9448199?tool=bestpractice.com