Hi GA community.

I have a curious condition, let's get right to it. After a good jog or
other strenuous activity my skin gets these small bubbles. I have only
noticed this recently, but I have also only started jogging recently.
They are about 1 millimeter in diameter at the largest and pop very
easily. I cannot determine what is contained within (because they are
so small), but I think it is a clear liquid. They are unevenly spaced,
don't itch, and so far only appear on my arms (not torso, legs, etc).

If I was to take a shot, I would guess that my sweat glands are
randomly clogging or developing a skin which fills when I perspire.
What I really want is some links to websites where I can say "ahha"
and hopefully some preventative guidelines. Needless to say my own
searches have not been productive. Of course, anything will be
appreciated.

Here is a link to a picture of my condition:
http://quietus.org/~dylan/sweatBubbles.jpg

Hi quidorg, 

First the ?I am not a doctor? disclaimer. Do not substitute what I am
about to say, for actual medical advice. My research should be used
for information purposes only. If you have medical concerns, you
should see a doctor.

That out of the way, I?d say you are on the right track with your
clogged sweat gland theory. The technical term for that is Miliaria.
(Not to be confused with the mosquito-borne disease Malaria).

In its red form, Miliaria is a fancy way of saying, ?heat rash? or
?prickly heat.? This is called Miliaria Rubra and is the one you may
be most familiar with. It is the red rash babies get along their
collar, waistband, legbands, and sometimes across their foreheads if
they are wearing a hat. The baby gets hot and sweaty, and because
their sweat ducts aren?t not well developed, the glands become
obstructed and cause a red bumpy rash.

The Miliaria you are describing would be Miliaria crystallina (aka
Miliaria Sudamina):

?In Miliaria crystallina, ductal obstruction is most superficial,
occurring in the stratum corneum. Clinically, this form of the disease
produces tiny, fragile, clear vesicles.?

Miliaria
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic266.htm

While miliaria most frequently occurs in infants, it can also occur in
adults, especially obese adults. The condition is brought on by high
heat and humidity that cause excessive sweating, and can be
exacerbated by tight-fitting clothing and exercise. It is also seen in
adults who move from a dry climate to a hot and humid climate.

Treatment involves just cooling yourself down. Miliaria crystallina
generally resolves itself within several days without complications.
However, should your skin become itchy, burning, red or painful, you
should certainly see a doctor.

Prevention would entail limiting workouts to cool periods of the day,
wearing loose-fitting clothing, and doing whatever else is necessary
to prevent heavy sweating. Should it persist or get worse, there are
medications which can be used to treat it.

Here is more information: 

MEDLINE: Miliaria Crystallina ? photo 
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/2891.htm

ATLAS OF DERMATOLOGY:  information on the diagnosis 'Miliaria Crystallina'
http://dermis.multimedica.de/doia/diagnose.asp?zugr=d&lang=e&diagnr=705101&topic=i

MERCK ONLINE EDITION: Prickly Heat (Miliaria)  (Good illustration here)
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec18/ch206/ch206b.html?qt=miliaria&alt=sh#sec18-ch206-ch206b-286

DR. GREEN: Miliaria
http://www.drgreene.com/21_1141.html


As I said, I?m not a doctor, and certainly can?t diagnose your
condition or recommend treatment, but I trust that you?ll find the
information I?ve presented useful. If anything isn?t clear, please let
me know.

Thanks for your question!

-K~


For more information, use the following search terms:

Miliaria
Miliaria crystalline
Miliaria crystalline
Miliaria Sudamina
Prickly heat
Heat rash

Oh, and just FYI, I started with this search string:
white skin bubbles heat sweat 

and ended up with this as a top result:

SHANDS HEALTHCARE : Rash - child under 2 years
http://www.shands.org/health/information/article/003259.htm

which gave me the word Miliaria.

A wealth of information. Thank you very much!

And you are dead on about a change in climate; I moved to Boston last
fall after spending four years in Arizona.