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How Can An Itchy Rash On The Neck Be Treated?
Question: I have AN ITCHY rash on the back of my neck. Any ideas what cream to use?
Brief Answer:
Rash
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Rashes on the back of the neck can be caused by a number of different things and the treatment will depend on the cause. Here are some examples of things that can cause an itchy rash there and the different treatments:
1. A reaction to a medication or food that you have ingested and are sensitive to: treatment would be an oral antihistamine such as cetirizine or diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
2. A reaction to something that has touched your neck that you are reacting to. This can include perfumed soaps, clothes washed with a new detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets, lotion, or other things you may be sensitive to. Avoidance of the offending substance, and application of a topical steroid cream can help.
3. A fungal infection such as ring worm. There would be an irregular pink outline that changes shape over time. Treatment would be an over the counter anti fungal cream.
4. A yeast overgrowth. This can happen in areas where there are skin folds and more moisture and heat. An anti yeast cream such as miconazole or clotrimazole would treat this, along with keeping the area dry.
5. Shingles. Sometimes shingles can start with itching, before it really shows it's classic appearances. Treatment is to see a doctor and get on an oral antiviral medication ASAP.
There are other causes of itchy rashes on the back of the neck, but these are the most common ones for people living in the US.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Rash
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Rashes on the back of the neck can be caused by a number of different things and the treatment will depend on the cause. Here are some examples of things that can cause an itchy rash there and the different treatments:
1. A reaction to a medication or food that you have ingested and are sensitive to: treatment would be an oral antihistamine such as cetirizine or diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
2. A reaction to something that has touched your neck that you are reacting to. This can include perfumed soaps, clothes washed with a new detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets, lotion, or other things you may be sensitive to. Avoidance of the offending substance, and application of a topical steroid cream can help.
3. A fungal infection such as ring worm. There would be an irregular pink outline that changes shape over time. Treatment would be an over the counter anti fungal cream.
4. A yeast overgrowth. This can happen in areas where there are skin folds and more moisture and heat. An anti yeast cream such as miconazole or clotrimazole would treat this, along with keeping the area dry.
5. Shingles. Sometimes shingles can start with itching, before it really shows it's classic appearances. Treatment is to see a doctor and get on an oral antiviral medication ASAP.
There are other causes of itchy rashes on the back of the neck, but these are the most common ones for people living in the US.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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