Miliaria Rubra
This is the medical term for Prickly Heat.
This condition is a common inflammatory dermatosis caused by heat and humidity which leads to focal edematous occlusion of the pores of the sweat glands.
Prickly heat is also common in patients with fever. The sweat is retained and inflammation may result.
Clinically, what we see in the skin are discrete erythematous pinpoint to pea-sized papules, vesicles, papulovesicles and papulopustules and are commonly located on the chest, abdomen, folds of the neck, face and extremities.
The mother may complaine that the child feels uneasy and itchy.
The skin is also harsh to touch. Furuncles and carbuncles may be seen on the forehead in some cases.
Miliaria crystallina or sudamina are pearl-like pinhead sized vesicles that are seen in patients with high fever.
How do we manage this condition?
A. Parents are advised to control the temperature and excessive humidity.
B. They are encourage to wear soft clothing
C. Baths are given with colloidal oatmeal or very mild soaps
D. In severe cases and when the first three recommendations do not alleviate the symptoms, then medications are being prescribed