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

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. Hives also may result from physical factors such as cold, heat, sunlight, exercise and stress, notes MayoClinic.com.

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.

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.

At-Home Treatments

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.

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.