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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- MayoClinic.com: Slide show: Common skin rashes
- MayoClinic.com: Measles
- MayoClinic.com: Itchy Skin (Pruritis)
- MayoClinic.com: Hives and Angioedema
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Red Blotchy Skin on the Neck
Red, blotchy skin on your neck usually indicates some form of skin rash. While skin rashes are most often not a serious medical condition, you still need a proper diagnosis from a doctor to rule out any diseases and decide on suitable treatments. It is important to note whether or not the red blotches are accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache or flu-like symptoms.
Symptoms
A skin rash can arise anywhere on your body, including your neck, and may appear as flat red blotches or raised patches of skin. The rash may be itchy or painful and may even blister. It can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches or cough.
Causes
Red Bumps on the Trunk of the Body
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There are many reasons why you may be experiencing red blotches on your neck. A medical professional will need to assess the rash and any other symptoms to make a proper diagnosis.
Red blotches can indicate skin rashes that are just bothersome, and not a cause for serious concern. A non-serious skin rash can come from an allergic reaction, exposure to too much heat or sun, or as a reaction to chemicals in chlorinated pools.
A skin rash may also result from medical conditions such as measles, ringworm, psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.
Red, blotchy neck skin may indicate an outbreak of urticaria, or hives. Hives are caused by inflammation of the skin and can be brought on by allergic reactions to foods, drugs or other allergens, such as insect bites.
- There are many reasons why you may be experiencing red blotches on your neck.
- A non-serious skin rash can come from an allergic reaction, exposure to too much heat or sun, or as a reaction to chemicals in chlorinated pools.
Medical Treatments
If the blotches on your neck stem from a medical condition such as the measles, your doctor may recommend something for pain control. According to MayoClinic.com, aspirin should never be given to children with the measles because a serious and possibly fatal disease called Reye’s syndrome may develop 24.
Other skin conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis or ringworm will most likely require use of topical medicated ointments or creams. In some cases, antibiotics may also be necessary.
Antihistamines are often used to treat hives. Depending on the severity of the hives, you may be able to use over-the-counter antihistamines. Your doctor may recommend prescription antihistamines or an oral corticosteroid to lessen the swelling and itching of the hives if they are severe.
- If the blotches on your neck stem from a medical condition such as the measles, your doctor may recommend something for pain control.
- Your doctor may recommend prescription antihistamines or an oral corticosteroid to lessen the swelling and itching of the hives if they are severe.
At-Home Treatments
How to Use Cornstarch to Relieve an Itchy Skin Rash
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There are treatments you can do at home to make your rash more comfortable, but consult with a medical professional to avoid any possible complications before starting an at-home treatment.
Ibuprofen may help control pain associated with a red, blotchy rash and anti-itch creams can be purchased over-the-counter to relieve itchiness. When bathing or showering, use lukewarm water and non-irritating soaps. Try to reduce irritation to the area by not using perfumes and avoid clothing that causes rubbing and irritation.
Using wet and cool compresses can help alleviate the itching and swelling of the affected area. Having a cool bath and sprinkling some baking soda or colloidal oatmeal may also help reduce any itching.
- There are treatments you can do at home to make your rash more comfortable, but consult with a medical professional to avoid any possible complications before starting an at-home treatment.
- Having a cool bath and sprinkling some baking soda or colloidal oatmeal may also help reduce any itching.
Warnings
While many skin rashes are not serious, you will not know until a medical professional assess you. Some skin rashes can result from serious medical conditions and may result in health problems if not treated properly.
Related Articles
References
- MayoClinic.com: Slide show: Common skin rashes
- MayoClinic.com: Measles
- MayoClinic.com: Itchy Skin (Pruritis)
- MayoClinic.com: Hives and Angioedema
- American Academy of Dermatology: Urticaria - Hives
- The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Skin Allergies.
- Eichenfield LF, Ahluwalia J, Waldman A, et al. Current guidelines for the evaluation and management of atopic dermatitis: A comparison of the Joint Task Force Practice Parameter and American Academy of Dermatology guidelines. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2017;139(4S):S49-S57. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2017.01.009
- Smith AR, Knaysi G, Wilson JM, Wisniewski JA. The Skin as a Route of Allergen Exposure: Part I. Immune Components and Mechanisms. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2017;17(1):6. doi:10.1007/s11882-017-0674-5
- Bernstein JA, Lang DM, Khan DA, et al. The diagnosis and management of acute and chronic urticaria: 2014 update. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014;133(5):1270-7. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2014.02.036
- Siegfried EC, Hebert AA. Diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis: Mimics, Overlaps, and Complications. J Clin Med. 2015;4(5):884-917. doi:10.3390/jcm4050884
- Fonacier L, Bernstein DI, Pacheco K, et al; American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Contact dermatitis: a practice parameter-update 2015. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2015;3(3 Suppl):S1-39. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2015.02.009
- Tilles SA. Allergic Skin Disease and the Practicing Allergist: Growing Unmet Need, New Science, and New Treatments. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2017;37(1):xiii-xiv. doi:10.1016/j.iac.2016.10.002
Writer Bio
Tamara Laschinsky began writing articles in 2008 to supplement her knowledge of alternative health and wellness practices. Her articles have been re-published on various websites and requested by readers across the globe. She holds a degree in business administration from Red River College.