Miliaria crystallina in an intensive care setting

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2004 Jan;29(1):32-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2004.01444.x.

Abstract

Drop-like, transient blisters of miliaria crystallina may develop with focal intensity of heat within the skin, such as occurs in tropical climates or during febrile episodes. Miliaria crystallina develops due to a transient poral closure of the sweat duct opening, resulting in obstruction of free flow of eccrine sweat and retention in a vesicle below the skin surface. Dual cholinergic and adrenergic sweat gland innervation is influenced by a variety of medications used in intensive care patients. We present two febrile intensive care patients in whom enhanced alpha-adrenergic stimulation of sweat gland myoepithelia may have led to miliaria crystallina.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / adverse effects
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / adverse effects
  • Adult
  • Albuterol / adverse effects
  • Clonidine / adverse effects
  • Critical Care / methods*
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Miliaria / chemically induced
  • Miliaria / therapy*

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists
  • Clonidine
  • Albuterol