hsv

[needanswers70]

Over the last little while I have noticed a few bumps on my pelvic area. I've thought about them possibly being hsv but I'm not sure. They've came and gone twice, in two's or threes, they came back in totally different spots. They're round but tough, not thin and blistery. The don't pop, scab, and heal. They just seem to slowly get smaller and smaller until they eventually disappear. They also seem to show up with sweat and friction as I"m a very active athlete. Any thoughts?

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,

Miliaria or sweat rash  is a skin disease marked by small and itchy rashes in hot and humid conditions, such as in the tropics and during the summer season.This is due to sweat gland ducts that gets plugged due to dead skin cells or bacteria. The trapped sweat leads to irritation (prickling), itching and to a rash of very small blisters, usually in a localized area of the skin. The most common location includes the face, neck, under the breasts and under the scrotum. Other areas include skin folds, areas of the body that may rub against clothing, such as the back, chest, and stomach. This can be prevented by avoiding activities that induce sweating, using air conditioning to cool the environment, wearing light clothing and in general, avoiding hot and humid weather. Frequent showering may also help.


In most cases the rash of miliaria will resolve without intervention. However, severe cases can last for a number of weeks and cause significant disability. It has been suggested that the use of topical antibacterials and antibacterial soaps. Other topical agents which may reduce the severity of symptoms include anti-itch preparations such as calamine or menthol and/or camphor based preparations, and topical steroid creams.

Take care and keep us posted.