Itchy Neck Rash

Any type of disease is uncomfortable and annoying, but this is especially true for skin disorders. Skin disorders can not only give rise to distressing symptoms, these are often a cause of cosmetic concern. While the skin acts as a protective covering for the internal organs, it stays exposed to environmental pollutants, allergens and the pathogens present in the surroundings. Any part of the skin can get affected by inflammatory skin diseases due to exposure to disease-causing agents. The trouble gets doubled when the affected body part is one's face or neck. Since skin rashes are characterized by a change in the texture and the color of the skin, a rash on neck is conspicuous owing to its location.

An unsightly neck rash can certainly be a cause of concern for those who are very conscious about their appearance. Moreover, one may also feel troubled when a neck rash is itchy and causes a burning sensation. Well, the only wise idea is to get rid of it as early as possible. Knowledge about the possible causative factors can help in preventing the development of such rashes in future. Here's some information on the probable neck rash causes, followed by a few efficacious home remedies for itchy neck rashes.

Itchy Neck Rash: Causes

Skin rashes can be caused due to a wide range of reasons. A weakened immune system can definitely make one susceptible to skin ailments. Following are some of the common itchy neck rash causes.

Acanthosis nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is one of the major causes of itchy neck rash. It is a skin disorder that is marked by darkening and thickening of skin folds. The affected skin appears as velvety patches. The common place of its occurrence is back of the neck. It may also occur on armpit or groin. Acanthosis nigricans may be a symptom of conditions such as Cushing's disease, obesity, diabetes mellitus, carcinoma of the viscera and tumor of the pituitary gland. Those who suffer from glandular or endocrine abnormalities are also susceptible to developing such a rash. There is no effective cure for Acanthosis nigricans, however, treating the underlying cause may help in alleviating the symptoms.

Furunculosis
Furunculosis is an acute skin disease gives rise to recurrent boils. The boils are basically caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Boils are described as tender pus-filled bumps on the skin resulting from infection of a hair follicle. If left untreated, the boils grow and merge with the surrounding ones to form a giant multi-headed boil. This is medically termed as carbuncle. There are chances of infection getting into the bloodstream and causing more serious complications. Therefore, itchy rash on neck caused by furunculosis needs immediate medical treatment.

Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis is one of the common causes of itchy neck rash in older people, who are generally above 30 years of age. It is a fairly harmless skin condition caused by excessive growth of the upper layer of skin. The affected skin may appear either as one growth or in clusters. The diseased part of the skin may vary in color. It can be brown, light tan or even black. Even the diameter of the abnormal growth differs from case to case. Usually it is between 1 to 2.3 centimeters. Seborrheic keratosis can occur on any part of the body. In majority of the cases, it is found to develop on chest, scalp, face, back and neck. It is treated by cryotherapy, curettage, laser treatment or electrocautery.

Tinea versicolor
Tinea versicolor is also termed as pityriasis versicolor. It is caused by a yeast called Malassezia globosa. This yeast normally lives on the surface of human body. If there is excessive oiliness, moisture and warmth on skin, it grows and reproduces to form large colonies. This leads to the infection called Tinea versicolor. The skin rash found on the neck due to this disease is usually not itchy. The rashes become itchy and troublesome under certain circumstances such as high humidity and high or low temperature.

Epidermoid Cyst
Other reasons for the development of an itchy neck rash is the presence of epidermoid cyst on the neck. Sebaceous cyst is another term to describe it. It contains a soft material comprising keratin, which is a protein component of skin, nails and hair. The main reason behind the formation of epidermoid cyst is physical trauma that triggers the growth of epidermis (topmost layer of skin) into dermis (the middle layer of skin). Epidermoid cysts are mostly without any particular symptoms. However, the rupturing of the lesion may cause significant discomfort.

Itchy Neck Rash: Home Remedies

Try the following natural treatments for getting relief from an itchy rash on neck.

• Fill a tub with cold water. Soak yourself into it for about 20 minutes. Make sure that your neck is completely immersed in cold water. Do it once or twice a day. This will provide you relief and will speed up the process of healing.
• Non-prescription topical creams and lotions containing hydrocortisone will alleviate itching from the neck rash. Strictly follow the usage direction present on the pack.
• Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl may prove to be helpful in relieving inflammation from the itchy neck rash.
• Take a tablespoon of baking soda and mix it with 2 to 3 drops of water, so as to make a paste. Apply this on the red itchy neck rash. Leave it on for about an hour and then rinse it off well with water. Do it 2 to 3 times a day for fast recovery.
• Fill the bathtub with warm water and add a cup each of cornstarch, oatmeal and baking soda to the warm water. Mix all the ingredients well, and soak your body in it. Spend about 10 to 15 minutes in this mixture before taking a bath with freshwater.

Skin rashes can also be caused by conditions such as contact dermatitis or eczema. Some people may develop an allergic neck rash if the skin comes with contact with jewelry that contains nickel. Chemicals present in cosmetic products such as perfumes, aftershave, shampoos or hair dyes can also cause an itchy neck rash. It is therefore essential to refrain from using such products. In addition to trying the aforementioned home remedies for itchy neck rash, you should try your level best to strengthen your immune system. A strong immune system will fight off the causative agent and will provide you ease from the discomfort. It will also prevent the occurrence of such a neck rash in future. So, increase the intake of immune-boosting foods. If the home remedies for itchy neck rash are not providing satisfactory results, pay a visit to a dermatologist immediately.