Miliaria or Sudamine is a rash caused by a dysfunction in the sweating system: the clogging of the pores that lead to the sweat glands. It is very common in the first months of life of babies and young children, although it can occur at any age, particularly in humid and hot climates.
When the baby does not sweat on the surface because the skin does not let sweat out, it is retained in the skin, forming small red pimples or occasionally tiny blisters, since clogged glands cannot eliminate sweat.
The bumps may acquire a diverse appearance and their extension over the areas of the body is also variable. The mildest form appears as tiny blisters that break easily and form thin scabs. A more acute form can cause red pimples that can itch. They usually last a few days, although they often reappear if the heat continues.
The grains can be very close together and located or on the contrary appear scattered.
Sudamine can appear on any part of the body. It commonly manifests in the forehead, cheeks, eyelids and sometimes in the nose. Also the neck, arms and upper trunk if the baby passes heat in those areas, or in the areas where the clothes obstruct the sweat glands (tight gums ...), the thighs ...
To prevent SudamineWe can follow these tips, especially in times of warmer weather.
- The baby should be kept cool and dry when the weather is warm, wear light and soft clothes. The clothes should not be tight and should preferably be made of cotton, since this fiber is very absorbent and keeps moisture away from the baby's skin.
- In closed rooms, maintaining a mild temperature without excessive heat by using air conditioning or fans can help evaporate moisture and cool the baby.
- Check the diaper frequently and change it as soon as it is wet so that moisture and heat do not accumulate. In this way we also contribute to prevent another of the most frequent rashes in babies, diaper dermatitis.
- If the baby tends to sweat a lot and it is hot season, it is better to avoid the use of talc, moisturizers (especially the thickest) and other ointments, as they tend to keep the skin warmer and clog pores.
- At bath time, to avoid further irritation it is better to wash the baby's skin without gel and with warm, not hot water.
- Do not expose the baby to the sun or allow excessive physical activity (crawling or walking in older babies).
If the miliaria or sudamina has already appeared, we must continue with the previous recommendations so that it does not get worse, and normally they do not need another treatment, since they disappear if the baby stops passing excessive heat and is kept cool.
The pediatrician may recommend using a mild moisturizer or soft gel for delicate skin. It is the case that has happened to me with my baby, who during this summer has suffered on a couple of occasions these granites in a mild and localized way, coinciding with the wettest and hottest days. The first time the granites came out in chest, back and arms and the last time only in the arms (quite scattered).
Only in some cases it may be necessary to use a mild cortisone cream prescribed by the doctor, to relieve itching if the skin is inflamed. In any case, given the symptoms described, you have to go to the doctor to determine the cause of the rash and prescribe the appropriate treatment if deemed necessary.
