What Causes Painless Rash On Neck?

Posted on Thu, 1 May 2014

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

Thu, 1 May 2014 Answered on

Wed, 21 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I have painless itchless rash on my neck, 3 days small circular patches. I am a smoker, concerned if this could be because of lung cancer. how to treat this?

Answered by Dr. Kalpana Pathak (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing to us.
This rash could be because of sun exposure, tinea , pityriasis versicolor or pityriasis rosea.
Smokers have higher probability of having lung cancer but direct skin manifestation without any specific symptoms of lung involvement like cough, blood in sputum, chest pain etc is highly unlikely

Please upload an image of neck lesions, so that i can advise an appropriate diagnosis based treatment.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kalpana Pathak (16 minutes later)

Hi Doc,

I have uploaded the picture of the rash I have, this is on both sides of the neck.

Answered by Dr. Kalpana Pathak (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back.

I have gone through the uploaded image. From what I can see, it could be pityriasis versicolor or polymorphous light eruption. P versicolor is a superficial fungal infection which presents as hypopigmented asymptomatic spots around hair follicles and may coalesce to form bigger lesions. PMLE is basically sun allergy and presents as slightly elevated red dry spots that may be severely itchy.

The images that you have attached are a bit blurry, if possible please attach a better quality pictures

As such these two conditions can easily be differentiated by examine the lesion under broad light. You will either need antifungal treatment or steroids.

Please attach a better quality pic so that I can confirm my diagnosis.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad