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Miliaria is a common problem in one to two month old babies. It is caused by blocked pores which are the small openings of sweat glands onto the skin. It tends to be worse in warm weather or if the baby is overheating. It can take different forms. The mildest form appears as tiny blisters that break easily and form fine scales. A more severe form can cause itchy red spots with little blisters which may be prickly or itchy in the heat. The spots last for a few days but may reoccur.

Miliaria is most common on the forehead, cheeks, eyelids and sometimes the nose. It can also occur where clothing such as elastic around the waist blocks the sweat glands.

In the first few months of life babies’ sweat glands can block very easily leading to various forms of miliaria. The use of too much moisturiser or tight clothing can block the sweat pores. Soaps and detergents may make the problem worse. Some of it may be caused by a yeast infection.

Keeping the baby cool in hot weather is important. Nappies should be checked often and changed if wet. Plastic overpants with tight elastic should be avoided. If moisturisers are used, they should be applied lightly and not too often. During hot weather avoid using thick moisturiser. Washing the skin with warm water and no soap may help prevent further irritation.

Mild forms of miliaria need no treatment and will go away in time if the baby is kept cool and only light moisturisers used. Occasionally, a mild cortisone cream prescribed by a doctor may be necessary to relieve the itchy skin condition if it is inflamed. An anti-yeast cream may also be prescribed.

Your Maternal and Child Health nurse.
Your pharmacist.
Your family doctor.
A dermatologist.

© 2002, Department of Dermatology, St. Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065 Australia.