Why Do I Have a Rash on My Neck?
Medically reviewed by Daniel More, MD
A neck rash is an inflammatory reaction that can occur on the back, front, and sides of the neck. How the rash looks and feels depends on what’s causing it.
Many things can cause a neck rash to develop, such as allergies or skin conditions. Depending on your skin tone, the color of the rash may appear red, brown, or purple and be accompanied by itching, warmth, pain, and spots or blisters.
This article discusses the possible causes and symptoms of a neck rash, and what you can do if you develop one.
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What Are the Causes of a Neck Rash?
A neck rash can develop for many reasons. There are several notable causes of a neck rash, including infections, allergies, skin conditions, and other serious conditions.
Infections
Types of infections that cause neck rashes include:
Viral: Viral infections can sometimes lead to neck rashes. For example, a neck rash caused by COVID-19 may involve swelling, redness, and being warm to the touch. Other viral infections that may cause a rash on the neck include shingles, chickenpox, and measles.
Bacterial: In some cases, a bacterial infection such as syphilis can cause a rash to develop and spread to the neck. Other bacterial infections such as impetigo, scarlet fever, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are also associated with neck rashes.
Fungal: Certain fungal infections have been shown to cause rashes in various areas of the body. If the fungus is on the neck, a rash can occur. Specific fungal infections that cause neck rashes include tinea versicolor or ringworm.
Parasitic: Parasitic infections will cause a rash in various body areas, depending on where the parasite has infiltrated. One common parasitic infection that leads to a neck rash is scabies.
Infections and a Neck Rash
Contracting any of the above infections does not guarantee that you’ll develop a neck rash. However, they are all associated with a rash that can occur on various parts of the body, including the neck.
Learn More: A Guide to Viral Rashes in Adults and Children
Allergies
Allergic reactions present differently depending on the type. If someone comes into contact with something they’re allergic to, such as cosmetics or nickel jewelry, they could develop a neck rash caused by an allergic reaction.
The symptoms that develop include redness, itching, and hives.
Hives on the Neck
Hives can develop because of an allergic reaction. However, they can also occur on the neck in response to high emotional or psychological stress levels.
Learn More: Pictures of Hives to Help Identify a Rash
Serious Conditions
A neck rash could indicate a severe health condition. The most notable health disorder that can lead to rashes of the neck is diabetes.
Other conditions that can lead to neck rashes include:
Meningitis (swelling of membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord)
Petechiae, which is a rash that appears as tiny red pinpricks on the skin
Purpura, which is a type of rash that develops as purple-colored spots on the skin
Petechiae and purpura are not typically severe conditions but can occur with a serious health issue such as lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system) and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Is a Neck Rash the First Sign of a Serious Health Disorder?
If a neck rash is indicative of disease, many other symptoms are typically present. There is little clinical evidence to support a neck rash on its own as an indicator of severe or life-threatening disease.
Learn More: Petechiae vs. Purpura: What Skin Discoloration Can Tell You About Your Health
Skin Conditions
Skin conditions are often one of the most common reasons for developing a neck rash. Skin disorders that can lead to a rash on the neck include:
Related: What Causes Sweet Syndrome?
What Are the Symptoms of a Neck Rash?
The symptoms of a neck rash will depend on what type of rash it is. The most notable symptoms of a neck rash include:
Redness
Irritation or inflammation
Skin that is warm to the touch
Bumps, spots, or hives
Intense itching
Dry or cracked skin
Pain
How Is a Neck Rash Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a rash is done through a physical exam. During the rash evaluation, your healthcare provider will examine the rash and note any other symptoms you’re experiencing, either with the rash itself or those that may seem unrelated.
A rash evaluation may include:
An allergy patch test to determine if an allergen or irritant set off the rash
A blood test to check for any signs of infection or illness
A skin biopsy to check for skin disorders or infection
How to Prepare for a Rash Evaluation
Medications such as antihistamines or antidepressants may need to be avoided up until the test is complete. Your healthcare provider will tell you when to stop taking your medications and which ones should be avoided until you have completed the rash evaluation.
Related: The Difference Between Blood Tests and Skin Tests for Allergies
How Is a Neck Rash Treated?
Treating a neck rash depends highly on what is causing it. Allergy-driven rashes tend to clear up after you have removed the allergen. You can also treat them with antihistamines or topical creams to relieve symptoms.
If you have a skin disorder, you may need a specific treatment to help manage the rash. Many types, such as psoriasis and rosacea, are incurable. Typically, treatments for skin disorders include:
Topical corticosteroids
UV light therapy (also called phototherapy)
Topical drugs designed to suppress the action of the immune system
Topical vitamin D3 analogs
Topical benzoyl peroxide
Topical antibiotics
In some severe cases, oral corticosteroids or immune-suppressing medications may be necessary. If an underlying health condition is causing the rash, that specific disorder will be treated. When that happens, the rash will likely clear up.
Risks and Complications of an Untreated Neck Rash
Though many rashes go away on their own, leaving a neck rash untreated can be dangerous, especially if an underlying health disorder such as diabetes is causing it. Diabetes and other health conditions can cause significant permanent damage to your health if you leave them untreated.
Related: Itchy Neck
How to Prevent a Neck Rash
Though there is not much you can do to prevent underlying health issues or skin disorders, you can prevent neck rashes driven by allergies or infection. You can do this by:
Avoiding others with contagious rash-causing illnesses
Avoid allergens or irritants that you know cause a rash
Use mild, scent-free soaps to cleanse your neck
Limit your stress as much as possible
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Not all neck rashes are harmful or require immediate medical attention.
Still, you should see a healthcare provider if the rash doesn’t go away within a week, spreads from the neck to other areas of the body, or interferes with your ability to complete daily tasks. Other symptoms that should also alert you to see a healthcare provider right away include:
Severe pain
Blisters
Yellow or green pus-like fluid coming from the rash
Red streaks in the rash
Fever
Difficulty breathing
Swelling in the neck or face
Related: A Guide to Which Rashes You Should Worry About
Summary
Neck rashes can be caused by various things ranging from infections to underlying health conditions. Skin disorders are often the most common cause of a neck rash. They often appear red and itchy and can develop into bumps or spots. When you have a rash, it’s important to monitor symptoms and how long it lasts.
Not all rashes can be prevented, but those caused by allergies and infections can. To avoid a neck rash, you can stay away from allergens, protect yourself against infections, and maintain a good skincare routine.
If the rash doesn’t clear in a matter of days, you should see your healthcare provider. They will diagnose the cause of your neck rash so you can get the right treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stress or anxiety cause a rash on the neck?
Psychological stress can have a significant impact on both your emotional and physical health. When it comes to neck rashes, stress can cause hives to develop that cover the neck. These hives typically only pop up during times of high stress and can be remedied with stress management.
What happens when a neck rash is left untreated?
Depending on the cause, an untreated neck rash can be OK. However, because some health disorders cause rashes to develop on the neck, leaving it untreated can do your overall health a big disservice. If you have a neck rash, never leave it untreated unless you know the cause isn’t harmful.
Will a neck rash go away on its own?
Some rashes can go away on their own, depending on the cause. For example, a rash that develops because of an allergen or irritant will disappear if you avoid contact with that substance. On the other hand, a rash caused by a skin disorder isn’t likely to go away without treatment.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
