Why Do I Have a Rash on My Neck?

A neck rash is an inflammatory reaction that can occur on the back, front, and sides of the neck. The way 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.

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 warmth to the touch. Other viral infections that may cause a rash on the neck include shingles and chickenpox. Measles can also cause a rash.
• 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.

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.

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)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• 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 serious health issues such as lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system) and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

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:

• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Folliculitis
• Acne
• Rosacea

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 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.

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
• Avoiding allergens or irritants that you know cause a rash
• Using mild, scent-free soaps to cleanse your neck
• Limiting 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

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.