Miliaria
Background
- Also known as lichen tropicus, miliaria rubra, prickly heat
Pathophysiology
- Acute inflammation of sweat ducts caused by blockage of pores by macerated skin
- Ducts become dilated under pressure and ultimately rupture
- This produces superficial vesicles in malpighian layer of skin on a red base
- May progress to miliaria profunda (white papules) if duct ruptures a second time
Clinical Features
- Pruritic, maculopapular, erythematous rash over normally clothed areas of body
Differential Diagnosis
Environmental heat diagnoses
Diagnosis
- Clinical diagnosis
Management
- Antihistamines
- Dicloxacillin or erythromycin if appears superinfected
Disposition
- Outpatient