Heat rash (miliaria) on shoulder
Heat rash or miliaria is a bit odd in that you get small bumps (~ 2mm) or papules that are elevated but do not break the skin surface. A few seem to have a clear centre (vesicle). After a while they subside and then eventually go away on their own, but then patches may appear in other areas, randomly bilateral. They may be itchy but not overly, and not painful. These cases are so personal it’s hard to generalize.
I found it difficult to find great macro photos on the web in order to properly identify the bumps. Quickstep had 2 such photos, thanks to Google Search.
Heat rash closeup. Note the papules that are small (~2 mm)
Conditions: Many hot (>30C) and very humid (humidex +40C) days in succession, being outside and trying to keep cool but not succeeding.
Papules seem to bump up on their own. They may clump together or be widespread. The worst and largest ones are still not big but have a white centre with what looks like a clear fluid. Break one and the fluid has no smell, the itching will subside and the papule will heal. Breaking them increases the risk of infection, but they go down faster. Leave them alone and they will slowly disappear in ~two weeks.
Treatment may include cold compresses on the affected area, and Elocom cream (momethasone furoate, 0.1% corticosteriod). The Elocom reduces the itching. Try an antihistamine such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for more persistent itching. This info is not a medical prescription. See your derm doc.
Heat rash macro view. Go to source for larger photo
Heat rash: lower femur just above knee. Papules are 2mm diameter. Treated with Methasone twice daily. Macro 5.5x
Don, these photos of skin rashes are hard to look at. There should be a setting on the browser so that I’m not jarred when I read your blog!
I did not even remotely dawn on me that these photos would make anyone squeamish. There is some skin and some bumps, but nothing more.
You know I have a fascination and therefore a high tolerance for medical photos and more. All photos I put up are for scientific and diagnostic purposes. I don’t think there is any warning about medical photos similar to the ubiquitous “Not Safe for Work (NSFW)” porn warning I see on some forums.