Causes of Itching on the Face and Neck

Contact Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Acne
Ringworm
Other Causes
Next Steps

18 December, 2018

Itchiness primarily involving your face and neck suggests a relatively short list of possible causes, compared to more generalized itching. Itchiness localized to these areas usually arises due to inflammation of the involved skin, which can develop for a variety of reasons. Some underlying causes represent short-term conditions that can usually be easily remedied. Other skin conditions that lead to itching of the face and neck are more chronic and require ongoing treatment.

Is This an Emergency?

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Contact Dermatitis

With contact dermatitis, skin directly exposed to an irritating or allergy-provoking substance becomes inflamed. This leads to an itchy red rash with either dryness and flaking or small blisters. Possible culprits for contact dermatitis on the face and neck include 3:

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Itchiness Behind the Ears

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Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is the adult version of cradle cap, which occurs in infants. While cradle cap clears up during infancy, adult SD usually persists long term. The back of the neck along the hairline is often involved. With SD, the affected skin characteristically appears reddened with superficial flaking, much like severe dandruff. The affected areas are also typically itch, sometimes intensely. SD can develop at any age from adolescence through adulthood, with the peak age of onset from 40 to 60. The cause of SD remains poorly understood but overgrowth of a fungus called Malassezia appears to play a key role. Treatment typically involves use of topical antifungal and anti-inflammatory medicines. Oral medications might be needed if topical therapy fails.

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is the adult version of cradle cap, which occurs in infants.
With SD, the affected skin characteristically appears reddened with superficial flaking, much like severe dandruff.

Acne

While pimples are the hallmark of acne, many people with this skin condition also experience itchiness. According to a 2009 review article published in the international medical journal "Acta Dermato-Venereologica," research indicates that 36 to 70 percent of people with mild to moderate acne experience intermittent itchiness 6. Although acne most often affects the face, the neck is also frequently involved. Additionally, people with acne often develop skin dryness and associated itchiness due to excessive washing of the face, overuse of over-the-counter acne treatments, or as a side effect of prescription acne medication.

While pimples are the hallmark of acne, many people with this skin condition also experience itchiness.

Ringworm

Skin Problems That Cause Eyebrow Loss

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Ringworm of the scalp, or tinea capitis, is a fungal infection that occurs most often in children but also sometimes affects adolescents and adults, who usually contract the infection from a child. The infection can spread from the scalp to the eyebrows and eyelashes, and causes scaly patches that often itch -- although some people do no experience this symptom. Hair loss frequently occurs in infected areas. Recommended treatment includes oral and topical antifungal medications and medicated shampoo. As ringworm is contagious, it's important to take precautions to avoid spread to others, such as:

not sharing combs
hairbrushes
hair accessories
hats

Ringworm of the scalp, or tinea capitis, is a fungal infection that occurs most often in children but also sometimes affects adolescents and adults, who usually contract the infection from a child.
The infection can spread from the scalp to the eyebrows and eyelashes, and causes scaly patches that often itch -- although some people do no experience this symptom.