An itchy rash on neck can be disturbing for some people. After all, the more commonly affected areas for rashes are limbs and torso. This is quite obvious since most rashes are due to an allergic reaction to something that we came in contact with. So how can the neck be affected with rashes if it doesn’t normally come in contact with substances unlike our hands and feet?
First, you have to know that our neck is also exposed to things that can cause an allergic reaction. For example, using a new soap can cause contact dermatitis. Perfume is also a primary suspect since a lot of people apply it on the neck area. So if you have an itchy rash on neck, try to remember what you used on your neck for the past 72 or so hours and avoid it.
Another common cause of itchy skin on neck is bed bug bites. Bed bugs feed on humans’ blood and they’re commonly found in mattresses. They bite on exposed areas just like the neck. If you wake up in the morning with several bites on your exposed areas, then you may have a bed bug problem.
It could also be seborrheic dermatitis. It’s a condition related to the dandruff so it’s more commonly found on the scalp. However, it has the tendency to spread around the face area including the neck. It’s usually harmless especially if it happens to adults. But if it happens to infants, then they’re known as cradle cap which needs to be seen by a doctor.
An itchy rash on neck can also be hereditary. This is especially true if asthma runs in your family. It’s possible that what you have is atopic eczema. This is usually confused with contact dermatitis because the symptoms are relatively the same. Their main difference is the fact that atopic eczema is believed to be hereditary. It usually affects the head and scalp area and can also affect the neck.
If there are additional symptoms like a fever or swelling, then it can be something more serious. If the rash is prominent on the face and it spreads towards the neck area and the rest of your body, then it could be measles. If you or your child wasn’t given immunization, then this virus can affect you especially your child. It’s best to go see the doctor right away.
The itchy rash on neck can also be hives. Hives can be caused by a lot of things. It could be something simple as nervousness or stress. It could also be caused by an allergic reaction to certain substances. This is normally not serious. But if your mouth or neck starts to swell, you have to go straight to a doctor since there’s a possibility that it can cause difficulty in breathing.
Just like in any areas of the skin, you can easily treat non-serious cases. You can simply avoid what you suspect caused the allergic reaction and see if it will go away. Cold compress and antifungal skin creams also help in eliminating the itchiness. If you have itchy rash on neck, don’t suffer and make it worse by scratching it. In most cases, you can usually treat it at home.