Miliaria is commonly known as “sweat rash” or “prickly heat”.
It can occur if the external environment is hot and sticky and this causes the baby to sweat a lot.
Miliaria are tiny spots and blisters which occur in the area of the most sweating and are very common in babies and toddlers.
The small blisters develop on areas that are the most prone to sweating:
- forehead
- armpits
- back of knees
What causes miliaria
Miliaria is caused when the baby’s sweat glands become blocked and inflamed due to excessive sweating.
This causes small blisters to form under the baby’s skin.
Symptoms of miliaria
Miliaria can develop into a few different forms, depending on how close to the surface the blockage of the sweat glands has occurred.
Symptoms can range from:
- slight inflammation – miliaria crystallina
- highly inflamed skin – miliaria rubra
Treatment of miliaria
Treatment relies entirely on managing symptoms:
- keep the baby cool (but not cold) enough when the weather is very hot and humid
- bathe the baby in some cool water on a frequent basis or use a wet cloth
- use a calamine lotion on the miliaria, if it is severe
- eczema or dermatitis cream can help to reduce itchy and inflammation
References
- ACD A-Z of skin – miliaria. The Australian College of Dermatologists. Accessed 6 July 2024
- Heat rash (miliaria): Images, causes and treatment. DermNet, USA. Accessed 6 July 2024
- Miliaria. National Institutes of Health USA. Accessed 6 July 2024
Last reviewed and updated: 6 July 2024
