Sweat rash
Although sweat is a natural fluid for the body, sometimes sweaty areas can cause problems not only in the form of odour but also unpleasant rashes. What kind of sweat rashes can occur? How do I know which sweat rash it is?
Sweat rash (intertrigo) - circumscribed, red, sometimes even wet areas caused by mechanical friction of the skin, lack of hygiene and sweating. They arise in an unventilated area in the skin folds. They occur most often around the anus and genitals, in the armpits, groin and other skin folds (in women, for example, under the breasts).
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal disease caused by fungal infections and spores. It most commonly affects the inflamed skin in the midfoot, outer edge of the foot, heel or arch of the foot. The skin itches and watery blisters or cracks appear. Mycosis can be transferred from the feet to any part of the body, most commonly the palms of the hands. Sometimes microscopic examination is necessary for diagnosis. Mycosis is usually treated with over-the-counter products available at the pharmacy. Important in prevention is changing shoes, changing socks frequently, wearing beach shoes in public swimming areas. Barrier cream can also prevent transmission.
Miliaria (heat rash) is a relatively common disease of the sweat glands. The sweat ducts in the body become blocked when exposed to heat and moisture. Sweat does not reach the surface of the skin but leaks into the skin. There are basic types of Miliaria.
Miliaria crystallina - predominantly found in infants, these are non-pruritic clear blisters about 1 mm in size, mostly on the head and neck.
Miliaria profunda affects mostly adults. Non-itching 1-3 mm large white pustules filled with white pus on the trunk and upper limbs resemble acne.
Miliaria rubra often occurs in infants as itchy red inflamed pimples or vesicles on the face and hair. In adults, they appear mostly on the neck and upper torso outside the face and hands. Manifestations of miliaria rubra may be mistaken for eczema.
Treatment of heat rash is based on limiting physical exertion and staying warm, using airy cotton clothing and a normal drinking regime (high fluid intake increases sweating and worsens the condition). Wash the skin with an antiseptic wash gel to prevent secondary infection Duration of retreatment approximately 2-3 weeks.
In infants, the manifestation of heat rash is not due to blockage of the sweat glands, but because their glands are not yet developed. Sweat remains on the surface of the skin for a long time and the delicate baby skin reacts to it by forming heat rash. To prevent sweat from irritating the skin, a skin barrier can be used.
