HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes A Spreading Itchy Rash On Neck And Chest?

Posted on Mon, 14 Jul 2014

Question: I need dermatological advice. I have a rash on my neck and has spread to the top part of my chest. They are pimples (like goosebumps) and they itch. I am using Lac Hydrin for it right now and have been getting light relief. I have been diagnosed with eczema 10 years ago and am wondering if it is the same thing or something worse. Additionally, over the last few months, my face has been severely dry, to the point that I have to moisturize about 3 times a day.

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
? Eczema, ? ploymorphic light eruption

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.

I understand from your query that you are having a spreading itchy rash on your neck and chest.

With your history and description, I would consider the possibilities of Polymorphic light eruption and nummular eczema.

Polymorphic light eruption is an allergy to the UV rays of the sunlight.

Nummular eczema is a type of eczema which has coin shaped patches of eczema.

Please upload a good quality clinical picture so that I can assess better. You have an option to upload a picture.

Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Johny Chacko (15 hours later)

I am Black and wondering if that is possible for me to be allergic to light. I am dark skinned.

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
UV allergy could occur in dark skinned people also

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.

Yes, Allergy to UV radiation could occur even in dark skinned individuals.

Sun burn and UV allergy are two different conditions.

Sunburn, which is seen as redness and burning is seen in fair skinned people predominantly ( called as Type 1, 2 and 3 XXXXXXX XXXXXXX skin types). Dark skin individuals ( called as XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Type 4,5 and 6) do not burn, but XXXXXXX when exposed to sunlight.

However, an allergy to the UV radiation is a totally different entity and could occur in both.

You have not uploaded a clinical picture. Assuming it to be a Polymorphic light eruption, I would suggest you the following-

1. You could apply a cream containing 1% hydrocortisone on the rashes twice a day for 10-14 days.

2. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 and above every 3-4 hours.

3. Once you develop this allergy, even 2-3 minute sun exposure could trigger the rashes. ( unlike a sun burn or tanning where the duration of sun exposure matters.)Hence, absolute sun protection is a must.

Hope this helps you.

Take care.

Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Johny Chacko (13 hours later)

Thank you Dr. Chacko!

I am on Day 3 of using Lac-Hydrin and I mix it with cocoa butter as well. I have noticed a small improvement but it still itches from time-to-time. I will try the hydrocortisone cream. Does Lac Hydrin work?

Thanks again,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Lac Hydrin is a moisturizer

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Greetings!

Lac Hydrin is a moisturizer containing ammonium lactate. It will not specifically help the problem, but there is no harm or contra indication in using it either.

I would rather suggest you to use a calamine based moisturizer to get a soothing effect.

Hope this answers your query.

Take care.

Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar