Neck rashes can be caused by allergies or irritants.
Skin rashes are irritating to the affected person and can be an indication of an underlying health issue. While most rashes occur because of skin irritants or allergens, some rashes require medical attention. Rashes in the facial and neck area can sometimes be avoided by practicing good hygiene, avoiding irritants and treating affected areas with topical solutions.
Lupus
Rashes can develop in the facial region as a symptom of Lupus. According to the Mayo Clinic, Lupus occurs when your body's immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs, causing chronic inflammation in the joints, skin, kidneys, heart and lungs. An unexplained butterfly-shaped rash on the face accompanied by fever and persistent aching might be a sign of Lupus. Other symptoms include fatigue, weight changes, skin and mouth lesions, easy bruising and memory loss. Consult with your doctor if you experience these symptoms to determine if you have Lupus or another chronic disease.
Allergies
Allergies can cause the skin to react by breaking out in a rash or hives. On the neck, rashes can occur because of sunburn, acne, insect bites, food or medication allergies, shingles and diseases of the liver or kidney. Some common allergies include jewelry that contains nickel, unwashed clothing, hair dyes and cosmetics that irritate the skin; and foods such as peanuts, shellfish, and fruits containing pectin. Most allergic rashes are not a threat to your health, but if the rash is accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing, consult your doctor immediately.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Irritants that can cause contact dermatitis include soaps, cleaners, fiberglass, solvents and poison ivy or poison oak. These types of rashes occur when the irritant damages the skin upon contact. Irritant contact dermatitis can affect anyone of any age with enough exposure or repeat exposure to the same irritant. Rashes can range from mild with chapped skin to severe with swelling, blistering and scaling of the skin. Rashes from irritant contact dermatitis can be reduced using emollients and moisturizers to the affected area. You can also apply a topical corticosteroid to reduce the amount of swelling in the affected area.
Hot Tub Rash
Hot tub rash is caused by the germ Pseudomonas aeruginosa and can infect an individual who has sustained contact with water that is contaminated with the germ. The rash appears after swimming in a private or public pool that is not well-maintained and can develop on the face, neck or other parts of the body. It can also appear after swimming in a contaminated lake. The rash appears as itchy red spots that eventually become a bumpy rash in the affected area. Pus-filled blisters are also common around hairlines. Hot tub rash can affect people of all backgrounds and generally disappears without complications after several days. You can protect yourself from hot tub rash by showering immediately after swimming in a pool, lake or hot tub and washing your swimsuits immediately after use. Maintain the proper levels of germ-killing chemicals in your pool or spa to reduce the chance of the germ contaminating the water.
