OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Strange Rash Appearing on My Neck

3/26/2025, 6:10:20 PMMale25-34

As a 20-year-old female, standing at 5’7" and weighing 155 pounds, I've recently noticed an unusual rash on my neck. Yesterday morning, I discovered a peculiar mark that is quite tender, painful, and intensely itchy, while also feeling warm to the touch. Aside from this irritation, my overall health seems unaffected. I’ve never experienced anything like this before, and it doesn’t resemble eczema, which I am familiar with from past episodes. To address my concerns, I have scheduled a visit to my doctor for tomorrow morning. Although I took Benadryl to alleviate the symptoms, it hasn't provided any relief.

RashHivesDermatitis

Answers (1)

Cony

3/26/2025, 6:10:43 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to be concerned about a new, painful, and itchy rash on your neck. Given your description, it could be a number of things like an allergic reaction, contact dermatitis, or an infection, among others. Since you're already scheduled to see your doctor, you're taking the right steps for a proper evaluation.

Explanation

Rashes can vary widely in their causes and might react differently to treatments. The fact that the area is tender, painful, and warm suggests irritation or inflammation, which could point towards an allergic reaction, a type of dermatitis, or even an infection.

Next Steps

  1. Avoid Further Irritation: Try to avoid scratching the rash, as this can worsen the irritation and lead to infection. Keep the area clean and avoid any known irritants (like certain soaps, fragrances, or jewelry) that may have come into contact with your skin.

  2. Monitor the Rash: Keep an eye on any changes, including if the rash spreads, changes color, or if you develop any new symptoms such as fever or swelling.

  3. Self-Care: While Benadryl hasn't helped much, you might find over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to be useful for reducing itchiness and inflammation. Always apply it according to the instructions on the package.

  4. Gather Information for Your Doctor: Document what you’ve noticed about the rash (when it appeared, any new products or foods you encountered recently, etc.), as this could assist your doctor in diagnosing the issue.

  5. Go to Your Appointment: At your visit tomorrow, be sure to share all your symptoms and any treatments you have tried. The doctor may suggest further treatments or investigate more specific causes.

Your proactive approach by scheduling a doctor's visit is commendable, and I wish you the best for your appointment. If you notice rapid changes in the rash or if you develop systemic symptoms like significant swelling or difficulty breathing, consider seeking immediate medical attention.

Related Questions

Enigmatic Skin Condition

I’ve recently stumbled upon this community and wanted to share my experience! Here's my story: - At the age of 22, I noticed peculiar marks appearing on both of my hands. They weren’t itchy or red, but there was some slight swelling in my hands. - I felt perfectly healthy otherwise, without any additional symptoms. - These marks extended from my fingertips to about the halfway point on my forearms. - Over a span of two weeks, they began as subtle symptoms beneath the skin and eventually surfaced, with some areas developing blisters. - Prior to this, I had experienced chicken pox as a child at three years old and shingles on my back at the age of 19. Since then, I have had no other skin-related problems, and I’ve never dealt with cold sores, warts, or anything similar. - I consulted a general practitioner at the time, who speculated that it might be stress-related as he eliminated the possibility of contact dermatitis. This was shortly after I graduated from college about a month earlier. This incident occurred back in 2008, and I haven't encountered anything like it again. I would appreciate any insights or thoughts you may have!

MolesDry SkinDermatitis
Male25-34
11 hours ago

Identifying Mysterious Nose Spots

Greetings everyone! I'm a 32-year-old woman, and I don't take any medications. For several months now, I've been dealing with two spots on my nose that simply won’t go away. I maintain a skincare routine that includes cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, but despite my efforts, these spots remain persistent. They lack a noticeable head, which makes it impossible for me to pop them, and they neither cause discomfort nor have they grown larger over time. I woke up one day to discover them, and they’ve been there ever since. My apologies for the poor image quality.

Dry SkinRashSkin Cancer
Male25-34
22 hours ago

Seeking Help for a Skin Rash

Age: 20 years Gender: Male Height: 5 feet 10 inches Weight: 130 pounds Ethnicity: Asian Length of Symptoms: Approximately one week, although the larger area of irritation has been developing for about three weeks. Affected Area: My arms Medical History: No known health issues Current Treatments: Not taking any medications at the moment.

DermatologyRashDermatitis
Male25-34
1 day ago

Evaluating a Suspicious Spot on the Skin

At 33 years old, I've recently observed a pale spot developing on my forehead. This soft, raised area has been increasing in size rapidly and was not present back in October. I've noticed it subtly emerging in some earlier photos as well, highlighting the change over time. The spot does not exhibit any symptoms like itching, scabbing, or flaking. During summer months, I do spend considerable time outdoors, but I consistently apply sunscreen for protection. My esthetics specialist, whom I consult every other month for facials, mentioned that this spot does not appear to be related to acne and does not seem to contain any fluid or resemble milia. Given my upcoming medical appointments, I’m attempting to determine which ones should be addressed first. I discontinued spironolactone two months ago for managing elevated androgen levels and borderline polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), after being on it for approximately two years. Additionally, I stopped taking Wegovy one month ago as my husband and I are intending to try for a child following the appropriate waiting period. Currently, I am not taking any vitamins, medications, or supplements.

MolesSkin CancerDermatitis
Male25-34
1 day ago

Unusual Skin Changes After Showering

I'm a 33-year-old female and I'm curious if anyone has experienced something similar. After I shower, I often notice a reddish rash appearing on my legs. However, today there were also numerous purple spots alongside the typical redness. Unfortunately, I can't upload images here, but I'll share them in the comments for those interested in what I'm describing.

DermatologyRashDermatitis
Male25-34
1 day ago