Guide To The Symptoms And Types Of Heat Rash

Heat rash and miliaria are umbrella terms used to describe a category of conditions related to the abnormal retention of sweat. Miliaria can be caused by several factors, including fever, prolonged bed rest, immature sweat ducts, hot and humid environment, skin occlusion from bandages or dressings, and intense physical activity. Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, genetic diseases of the skin, radiotherapy, and adverse reaction to medication can also cause miliaria. Diagnosis of heat rash or miliaria is made with the use of a physical examination and a punch biopsy in some cases. Untreated miliaria can cause an affected individual to develop a secondary bacterial infection, hyperhidrosis, and impaired thermoregulation. The type of heat rash that develops in an individual is determined by the location of the sweat that becomes obstructed in the dermis or epidermis.