Miliaria: What it is and how to avoid the most typical rash in summer

One week from the end of August, high temperatures continue to be the protagonists.

Besides of heat, several provinces of the Spanish geography are on warning for storms with rain and strong wind and with possible hail. This is, for example, the case of Asturias, where up to 15 liters per square meter are expected to accumulate in one hour and very strong gusts of wind.

With this weather situation, it is not surprising that many people are suffering from skin rashes these days.

Although it is very common in children, adults are not exempt from suffering miliariathe name given to these blisters when the heat hits.

This reaction of the , reddish in color, appears when the sweat ducts become clogged by sweating. It is, therefore, a condition that only occurs in very hot and humid environments. It produces an unpleasant and uncomfortable itch and even a tingling sensation.

Miliaria is a skin condition that appears in episodes of high temperatures freepik

Heat Rash: Symptoms and Treatment

Miliaria is a skin reaction that appears on its own. In the case of babies, it usually manifests itself, mainly, in the neck, shoulders and chest. In adults, it usually affects those areas of the skin where clothing rubs against it (neck, armpits, groin, forearms…).

Depending on the type of , the symptoms will be different:

• Crystalline miliaria. It occurs when sweat clogs the sweat pore. It is one of the most common and manifests with small bumps that stand out for being transparent and filled with fluid.

• Miliaria rubra. It occurs in one of the deepest layers of the skin. Symptoms of this type of heat rash range from blisters and intense itching to tingling in the affected areas.

• Pustular miliaria. With the same symptoms as miliaria rubra, but with pus-filled blisters.

• Deep miliaria. It is the least common, since it affects the dermis, the deepest layer of the skin. The pain and itching are very sharp.

The main treatment for this ailment is cooling the skin and avoiding being in areas with high temperatures. For what does appear on the beach or in the pool, it should be protected from the sun’s rays.

You can take cold showers, with neutral soaps, and do not rub the skin with the towel. Creams with calamine can also be used, indicated to relieve itching and irritation. If these tips do not improve, you should see a specialist to assess how to treat it.

Heat rash is a benign, untreated reaction. freepik

It does not leave scars, although it is common for those with dark skin to suffer from hyperpigmentation spots, but they disappear on their own. Keep in mind that scratching the rash can cause a bacterial infection, also causing the blisters to swell and itch much more.

The (AEP) explains that “it is a benign and transitory alteration that does not require specific treatment. It is advisable to maintain the usual care of the skin and avoid further obstructing the ducts of the sweat glands with preparations such as talc or very thick creams.

Miliaria: can it be avoided?

Yes. The AEP points out that “to avoid excessive sweating that favors the appearance of sudamine, it is advisable not to wrap the child too much, not wear tight clothing and maintain adequate hygiene.”

In adults, these recommendations can be followed:

• Opt for light clothing.

• Avoid doing physical exercise outdoors during the hottest days.

• Do not use body moisturizers that can clog the pores of the skin.

• Sleep in a cool and well ventilated place.

• Be properly hydrated.