Dark Skin on Neck

The skin on neck sometimes gets a darker hue as compared to other parts of the body. You also observe dark skin patches on neck that looks like a layer of dust. From patches to circular rings, the neck gets a dull dirty look. If it's a layer of dirt, then you should increase your cleanliness standards or else this look would be soon embarrassing for you. The skin on the neck also gets a darker tone, if it's exposed to sun. Dry dark skin on the neck with itching sensation can be due to some other reasons apart from tanning.

Causes

Here are a few reasons behind dark skin on the neck. Dermatologists and doctors have diagnosed few possible causes that might cause dark skin patches on neck or dark skin discoloration. Hormonal changes, pigmentation, liver or intestinal disorders, skin infections, etc., are some causes of dark skin. Check out the following points to know about this.

Acanthosis Nigricans
This is a medical terminology characterized by dark, thick and velvety skin folds and creases on the neck. This condition is accompanied by other disorders inside body: increase in insulin level, like type 2 diabetes or overweight. The extra insulin triggers the activity of skin cells that leads to change in skin tone over the neck.

Hormonal Imbalance
Hormone imbalance sometimes increases secretion of the pigment melanin. This pigment is responsible for darkening the skin tone. Hyperpigmentation is also seen and dark patches over the neck. This can also spread to other parts of body if you do not undergo medication as early as possible. Increase in melanin is also observed in pregnant women and diabetic patients.

Eczema
Eczema is also one of the possible reasons behind dark skin tone. Irritation and itching is associated with it. Sometimes it becomes severe and the skin on the neck gets a darker hue. Patches and redness is also associated with it.

Fungal Infection
A skin fungus, namely Tinea Versicolor, is known to cause dark flaky skin on neck. When the skin of neck is infected with this fungus, it becomes brown and dry. Dry flakes are shed from the skin around the neck region.

Sunburn
Over exposure to harmful UV rays of sun affects the skin tone. If your neck is exposed to sun, it tans that particular area. Often rings also form around the neck due to sun burn.

Treatments

Dark skin on the neck can be treated at home, if it is caused due to sunburn. Herbal remedies are available to reduce the tan. Always apply a good sunscreen on the exposed areas before going out in the sun. Fungal infection is often treated with antifungal lotions like Lamisil. Try applying cortisone creams available over the counters if you are suffering from eczema. Keep the skin moisturized and use fragrance-free ointments for itching. People who suffer from Acanthosis nigricans, is often prescribed retin A or tretinoin cream for topical application to lighten the skin tone. If you are suffering from hormonal imbalance, let doctors diagnose your skin conditions and suggest the necessary treatments.

Dark skin on the neck is not always a condition to worry. Keep your neck zone clean and moisturized to avoid accumulation of dirt. If you observe rings, flakes or feel itching, irritation and redness, visit dermatologists for correct skin care regimen.