Miliaria rubra is a sudoriferous gland disorder characterized by which symptoms?

• A. Small red vesicles, itching and burning
• B. Chronic oily skin
• C. Hyperpigmentation
• D. Dry, flaky patches

Answer: (A)

Miliaria rubra happens when sweat ducts (eccrine glands) become blocked, usually in hot, humid conditions, causing sweat to be retained and the skin to react inflamed. This creates small red vesicles or papules accompanied by itching and a burning sensation, which is the hallmark presentation of prickly heat. The other descriptions don’t fit this condition: chronic oily skin comes from excess sebum production, not blocked sweat ducts; hyperpigmentation involves pigment changes rather than vesicles with itch; and dry, flaky patches reflect dehydration or dry skin rather than the inflamed vesicular rash seen with miliaria rubra.