Dealing with a rash can be uncomfortable. While rashes may occur anywhere on the body, having a rash on the neck is a common problem. Along with the rash, you may notice some dryness, tenderness, and even some peeling skin, depending on the root cause of the rash. Unfortunately, a rash on the neck is quite conspicuous, so you probably want to find a way to eliminate that rash. Of course, before trying to treat the rash, it is always a good idea to consider the potential causes of the problem. Here is a closer look at neck rashes, their potential causes, helpful remedies, and information on when you should seek the help of a medical professional.
Potential Causes
A rash on the neck can occur due to many different causes. If you are not sure what is causing your rash to occur, you may want to see your doctor for a diagnosis. The following are just a few of the potential causes of a rash on the neck.
Heat Rash
One potential cause of a rash on the neck is a heat rash. These rashes are very common and usually occur in hot weather due to excessive sweating. While sweat normally evaporates, when it is excessively hot, it can get trapped beneath the skin, causing the sweat glands to clog. If the sweat glands clog, it can lead to red bumps, prickly or itchy skin, and inflammation in the area. Although a heat rash is most common in children, it can happen to anyone.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis could cause a rash on the neck. This disease affects the immune system and negatively affects skin cells and their life cycle. Psoriasis commonly affects the neck, although it can affect many other areas of the body as well.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis may cause a rash to occur on the neck. While there are several different types of dermatitis, it basically refers to skin inflammation. Contact dermatitis is the most common form of dermatitis and is known to affect the neck area. Various allergens and irritants, such as soaps, perfumes, cosmetics, detergents, and jewelry, may cause contact dermatitis to occur. This often results in itching, a rash, red patches, and dry skin in the area. Tenderness, burning, and pain often accompany the rash.
Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic Keratosis often occurs in older individuals, causing a rash on the neck. This problem occurs when the upper layer of skin grows excessively in the neck area. It may appear to be black, tan, or brown in color. While it can occur on any area of the body, it is most commonly found on the scalp, back, face, chest, or neck.
Hives
When a rash on the neck occurs, one common cause that you may not consider is hives. Hives can occur for a variety of reasons since there are many factors that may cause them. Some of the symptoms of hives include redness, flat welts, or bumps on the skin. They may be very small or very large. Usually, they come with a stinging or burning sensation and may be extremely itchy. Although hives usually show up first on covered parts of the body, including the upper arms, upper legs, and trunk of the body, they can also affect other areas, including the chest, ears, face, hands, feet, and neck. If you are dealing with a rash on your neck, hives could be the root cause of the problem.
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Helpful Remedies and Treatments
If you have a rash on your neck, you will find that many different remedies and treatments can provide some relief from the symptoms you are experiencing. Whether you are dealing with hives, heat rash, or some kind of contact dermatitis, the following remedies may provide some relief. You might need to visit a doctor if the rash on your neck doesn’t go away to find out if it’s due to something serious.
Cleanse the Area
One helpful remedy for a rash on the neck is to cleanse the area with a gentle antibacterial cleanser. Sometimes irritants may cause a neck rash to form, so the cleansing should help remove any irritants. This will cleanse the area and help to unclog any clogged pores, since clogged pores may cause a rash in the area.
Try Using Hydrocortisone Cream
Another great treatment for a neck rash is hydrocortisone cream, which can be purchased over the counter. It is designed to help relieve irritation and inflammation. Apply hydrocortisone cream to the affected area of the neck to help relieve itching. It will soothe the skin and provide significant relief in a short period of time.
Apply a Cool Compress
Applying a cool compress to the rash on the neck may also provide some relief from the discomfort. Take a clean cloth, soak it in cold water, wring it out gently, and then apply it to the neck. Leave the cool compress on the area for 10–15 minutes. It will help reduce some of the redness and should cool and soothe the skin. Make sure you remove the compress for at least 15 minutes before applying another one to the area.
Try an Oatmeal Paste
An oatmeal paste may offer some relief from the neck rash as well. Take 1/4 cup of oatmeal and place it in a food processor. Process the oatmeal until it is a very fine powder. Add 1/8 to 1/4 cup of water to the oatmeal and mix until it forms a paste. Add a bit more water if it is too thick, but avoid making the paste too thin. Apply the paste to the rash on your neck and allow it to sit for about 20 minutes. The oatmeal should relieve itching, redness and also provide nourishment to the skin.
Coat with Aloe Vera Gel
Coating the rash on the neck with Aloe Vera gel is an excellent treatment for many types of rashes. Aloe Vera gel has many natural healing properties and is used to treat many skin problems effectively. It is soothing to the skin and will help relieve the symptoms you are experiencing. Place the gel in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before you use it, which will offer even more soothing relief.
Apply Moisturizers or Emollients
Moisturizers or emollients that can be applied topically can help treat a rash on the neck. They help to seal the skin, keeping its moisture and alleviating any dryness. Rashes that are caused by psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and hypothyroidism may be successfully treated with emollients and moisturizers. Just pick one with natural ingredients and stay away from harsh chemicals that could make the skin on your neck even worse.
Bathe with Baking Soda
Taking a bath with baking soda added to the water may help to treat the rash on the neck as well. Baking soda helps to soothe irritated skin, so adding 4-5 tablespoons of baking soda to a lukewarm bath may be helpful. It often helps to relieve itching. If you do not want to take a baking soda bath, you can make a paste with baking soda and apply it directly to the rash on your neck.
Take a Cool Oatmeal Bath
A cool oatmeal bath may also help to relieve a rash on the neck. The cool water will feel wonderful on your neck, and adding a cup or so of oatmeal to the bath should help relieve some of the itching and discomfort you are experiencing from the rash. Be sure to soak in the oatmeal bath for about 20 minutes. You can do this a couple of times a day to soothe the area and relieve some of the uncomfortable symptoms you are dealing with as a result of the neck rash.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water is also important since water is so important to the health of your skin. Staying hydrated helps your skin maintain its natural moisture level, which is important. You should consume 8–10 glasses of water each day, which should keep your skin well moisturized, helping to reduce the chances of skin problems.
When to Seek Help
Of course, if the rash on the neck is not relieved by these helpful remedies and treatments, or if it lasts for more than a week, it’s a good idea to see your physician. You should also see a physician if the rash comes on with bleeding or oozing. You may have a problem that needs to be diagnosed by your doctor. If you develop other symptoms with the rash on your neck, such as dizziness, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, or a severe headache, seek medical attention right away. You could have an underlying problem that is causing the rash, which may require immediate medical care.