Eczema on Neck: Its Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Have an itchy red neck? It might be a sign of that irritating skin condition known as eczema. Dry, itchy, and flaky skin can show up anywhere on the body, yes, even on the neck.

This blog will help you understand what eczema on neck is, what causes it and how to treat it to get your itch-free neck back again.

Is Eczema on Neck a Thing?

Yes, while we don’t think about it very often, the neck is very commonly affected by eczema. In fact, the head and neck are affected in about 50% of adults and 79% of children with atopic dermatitis, or neck eczema as it can be called. 

There’s even a specific name for eczema that affects the head and neck: Head and Neck Dermatitis (HND).

The prevalence of eczema on the neck makes sense, as skinfolds like the back of the neck, the crook of the arms, or diaper areas are particularly vulnerable to eczema. But what causes eczema on the neck? And what can you do about it?

Causes of Eczema on Back of Neck

In many instances, Head and Neck Dermatitis (HND) is caused by a reaction to an allergen or irritant. The neck can be severely affected if it comes into contact with an allergen like 

• Jewellery 
• Nickel 
• Chemicals in lotion and creams
• Cosmetics
• Fragrance and perfumes
• Shampoo and body wash 

HND is also commonly caused by irritation from triggering substances and products like

• Wool scarves
• Tight clothing
• Tags or labels
• Detergents 

Other environmental factors that can trigger neck eczema are:

• Extreme weather 
• Sweating
• Stress 

What Does Eczema Look Like on Neck?

Eczema on the neck can cause the following symptoms. A person may experience a few or all of these eczema symptoms.

• Itchy skin
• Dryness
• Red rashes
• Bumps and blisters that may ooze
• Scaly patches
• Sensitive skin
• Skin thickening on the back of neck.

Eczema VS Psoriasis

Eczema and psoriasis are two common skin conditions that look quite similar. Some people may confuse eczema for psoriasis due to flaky, crusty patches on skin. Both the conditions can cause red rashes on skin and discoloration. 

• Eczema usually causes dry rather thin scaly patches that are usually red or pink in color. While psoriasis may cause very thick scaly patches in red or silvery color resembling to fish scales.
• Itching is experienced in both conditions but the intensity of itch is more severe in eczema.

How to Treat Eczema on the Neck

There is no permanent cure for any type of eczema, including eczema on the neck. However many successful interventions can soothe symptoms and help prevent eczema flare-ups. 

The most effective treatments for eczema are skin care, itch control, and trigger management:

Skin Care

The right skin care can help protect your skin’s natural barrier to fight back against irritants, soothe current symptoms, and prevent future eczema flare-ups. There are two main components of proper eczema skin care: 

Cleansing

• Cleanse skin at least once a day using a gentle, non-soap cleanser or an eczema shampoo and body wash.
• Use lukewarm water to wash the skin
• Pat dry the skin instead of rubbing it.

Moisturizing

• Follow up every cleanse with a baby eczema cream.
• Moisturize the neck at least twice daily to prevent dryness and soothe eczema symptoms.
• Always moisturize your skin immediately after taking a bath. 
• Choose a cream for eczema which made with natural ingredients like Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream for Eczema this cream will lock in moisture and help protect the skin from irritants.

Itch Control

The back of the neck is a very accessible area that is easy to scratch. But scratching itchy eczema will only make it worse and can even cause infection and scarring. Use a moisturizing eczema cream to control itching and prevent scratching.

Trigger Management

Neck eczema is often caused or worsened by triggers, or environmental factors that can irritate the skin.

• Avoid the triggers that might be causing your eczema.
• Choose products that are hypoallergenic and have a low pH level.
• Avoid using jewelry and metal around the neck.
• If any skincare product is the culprit, discontinue its use.
• Avoid going out in direct sunlight without proper skin protection.
• Wear loose fitting clothes with breathable fabric. 
• Use fragrance-free detergents for washing your clothes. 

Conclusion

Eczema on neck is more common than we know, even though it causes itchy, flaky, dry skin around the neck. If proper attention and care is not given it can get worse and lead to other complications like skin infections.

Neck eczema can be easily managed by taking proper care of the skin and avoiding the triggers. Cleanse your skin with an eczema cleanser once daily and moisturize it with an eczema cream at least twice daily.

If you are searching for hypoallergenic eczema products for your sensitive, dry skin then try Happy Cappy Two-Step Eczema Skincare Routine. It contains a daily eczema shampoo that can be used as a body wash and face wash as well and a fast-absorbing, non-greasy eczema cream to hydrate your skin all day long. Use it daily to soothe eczema-prone skin on the neck.

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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