Dermatology-Online

Rash on the neck

definition

The neck represents the back of the neck and extends from the back of the head to the shoulders. Important anatomical structures of the neck are the cervical spine and the neck muscles. The neck can be affected by a rash for various reasons. It is not possible to formulate a general definition for a rash on the neck, as there are very different clinical pictures, causes and conditions that can be the basis of the rash.
Since the neck is often not covered by clothing and is therefore in contact with the environment, there can be more rashes here.

causes

There are many different causes that can cause a rash on the neck. The various skin rashes differ in their appearance, accompanying symptoms and course.

psoriasis: The psoriasis, also called psoriasis, can cause a rash on the neck. Typically the extensor sides of the arms and legs and the hairy scalp are affected, but the rash can also spread to the neck. Characteristic are dry spots, severe scaling and reddening of the skin, as well as accompanying itching.
Photodermatoses: Photodermatoses are generally formulated diseases in which one Exposure to light leads to a skin change. A common cause of a rash on the neck is simple sunburn. This is characterized by reddening, burning, itching, pain and, in pronounced cases, by fever. Another photodermatosis that can show up on the neck is this photoallergic dermatitis. This allergic rash shows up on areas of skin that have been exposed to sunlight and have previously come into contact with a substance that caused the allergic reaction. These can be fragrances, preservatives or components of sunscreens. The neck is a typical site for such dermatitis. It is characterized by redness, small blisters and itching. In general one also speaks of one Sun allergy.
Head lice infestation: The head lice infestation is one frequent Cause of a rash on the neck. Typical is a severe itching. Head lice can be seen with the naked eye.
Please also read our article on this head lice
Other infectious diseases: As part of various infectious diseases, rashes can occur that affect the neck, among other things. These include measles, chickenpox and scarlet fever. Rubella and rubella can also show up on the neck. The diagnosis is often easy to make on the basis of the characteristic rash and further examinations.
Contact allergy: An allergic reaction to various substances ("Allergens") can lead to a rash on the neck. Typical allergens are, for example, textiles, cosmetics, fragrances, shower gels or metals (for example Nickel earrings). Itching and reddening are often characteristic.

Please also read our article on this Rash - These disorders are the cause

diagnosis

To assess the skin rash, the dermatologist often uses a special skin magnifier, the so-called dermatoscope, to help.

In most cases, the diagnosis of a rash on the neck is made by a dermatologist, family doctor or, in the case of children, by the treating pediatrician. First of all, there is a description of the rash in terms of its Appearance. This description can often narrow down the range of possible causes.
Furthermore, the affected person is asked important questions about accompanying symptoms, the timing of the rash, the course and existing allergies. For some diseases, special diagnostic measures such as a Skin swab or taking a skin sample (biopsy) to be necessary. The dermatologist usually assesses the rash with a special skin magnifier, the Dermatoscope.

Symptoms

The accompanying symptoms of a rash on the neck depend on the underlying condition. A very common accompanying symptom is itching. This typically occurs with psoriasis, but also with allergic rashes. Other diseases such as chickenpox, head lice infestation or a fungal disease are also associated with itching. Other possible accompanying symptoms are Pain, for example by scratching the skin when itching is severe, or Swelling.
In the context of Infectious diseases like chicken pox or scarlet fever it can also be too fever, Exhaustion and a general feeling of illness.

Do you want to know the cause of your rash? Please also use our Selfest rash by:

Swollen lymph nodes in a rash on the neck

Lymph nodes are part of our immune system. Various causes can cause lymph nodes to swell and become palpable under the skin. There are a particularly large number of lymph nodes in the region of the Neck and Lower jaw (almost 300!). Lymph node swelling is common viral Infections such as the measles, mumps, rubella or chickenpox. These diseases can also lead to a rash, which can also appear on the neck.
Typically these are diseases of the Childhood. Usually such lymph node swellings are painful. Lymph nodes in the head and neck area can also be swollen with local skin infections, for example from wounds or animal bites. This swelling is also mostly painful and may appear red.

therapy

Depending on the cause of the rash, different creams containing, for example, cortisone or urea can be used.

The treatment of the rash on the neck depends on the underlying cause, so that no general statements can be made about the therapy. However, some common causes and their common therapy should be discussed briefly:

Head lice infestation: The head lice infestation is with the drug Permethrin treated. After the first treatment, it is repeated after 8 to 10 days. The hair should be washed with vinegar water with a Nit comb be combed.
psoriasis: The therapy of psoriasis is quite complex. The basic therapy includes care with urea-containing and lipid-replenishing Creams. As further therapy options are the light therapy as well as various active ingredients for local and systemic use.
Read more about this under Therapy of psoriasis
Allergic rashes: In the event of an allergic reaction, it is advisable first of all to avoid the known or potential allergen, for example a certain textile. To relieve the itching one can use so-called Antihistamines use. Creams can be applied in the event of severe symptoms Cortisone contain.
Photodermatoses: At a sunburn Cool compresses provide relief. For minor burns, ointments or gels with little cortisone are sufficient for treatment. Severe burns are treated with so-called systemic non-steroidal anti-rheumatics (short NSAIDs) treated like diclofenac or ibuprofen. In photoallergic dermatitis, avoiding the triggering allergen and consistent protection from light help. In the acute stage, ointments with glucocorticoids can be applied.

Rash on the neck in children

Children, like adults, can suffer from a rash on the neck. Basically, the same causes are conceivable as in adults. Head lice infestation is a very common cause of small children, as the close contact in kindergarten or school can easily lead to transmission.
Other common causes are typical childhood diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella or chickenpox. This often reveals specific accompanying symptoms, so that the diagnosis can easily be made by the pediatrician through these and the characteristic appearance of the rash.
Another common cause of a rash in childhood is the Atopic dermatitis (Neurodermatitis). Itchy, red, dry areas of the skin are typical. The neck and scalp can be affected, and the flexor sides of the arms and legs are typical.

Rash on the neck of the baby

Babies can also have rashes on their necks. A common cause of this is the so-called Cradle cap. This is a symptom of atopic dermatitis in infancy. Very itchy nodules in the area of the scalp and neck that have a Scaling and Crust formation accompanied. The cradle cap usually only appears after the third month of life.
In contrast, this occurs Infant seborrheic eczema, which is also called Head gneiss known shortly after birth. Typical for it are greasy, firmly adhering scales on reddened skin. The infestation is mostly limited to the head, but can also affect the neck, face and diaper area. Itching is not typical.

Please also read our article on this Baby rash - what is the underlying disease?

Rash on the neck from an allergy

An allergic reaction is a possible cause of a rash on the neck. Such a rash is also known as allergic eczema or allergic contact dermatitis. Typical allergens can be textiles, for example a new sweater, pieces of jewelery and the metals or fragrances and cosmetics they contain. Allergic eczema typically shows redness and pronounced itching, as well as small raised skin appearances, which are known as wheals.
Skin rashes can also appear as a symptom in the context of food allergies or other allergies, for example to pollen (hay fever). Itching and reddening of the skin are also typical. So-called antihistamines are available to relieve itching. For more severe symptoms, creams containing cortisone can be applied.

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