How Can A Itchy Rash On The Neck Be Treated?

Posted on Thu, 1 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 1 Dec 2016 Answered on

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have an itchy rash on the back of my neck. Could it be shingles? I've no flu like sx or fatigue... Been itchy for couple of weeks in small area with no bumps. Now bumps, itchy and spreading. Maybe 1.5 in in diameter. No blisters

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Doesn't seem to be shingles

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at Health Care Magic

An itchy rash without blisters is very unlikely to be shingles.
Shingles usually presents with pain, burning and blisters in a single dermatome of the body.
According to your complaints, it could be dermatitis.

If I were your treating doctor, I would recommend you to apply topical steroid like cortisone cream on the affected area twice daily and take antihistaminic like tablet Chlorpheniramine 4 mg once daily at bedtime for 10-14 days.

Let me know if there's any further queries
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (5 minutes later)

I need an Rx for cortisone cream?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No prescription is required for cortisone cream

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Cortisone cream is usually available as over the counter medicine.
No prescription is required for it.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee