What Causes Redness And Swelling In Neck?

Posted on Wed, 11 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 11 Nov 2015 Answered on

Sat, 28 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : self massaging sternocleodmastoid using to much force. a red small swelling, the size of a mosquito bite appears with other red marks less pronounced near it. pain on touch and neck muscle pain/ burning. the swelling is down but redness is still present after 4 hours. injury to carotid artery?

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not ICA

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your message.
I am quite sure what you have is not ICA injury.
It may be due to a minor vessel.
If the redness is blood related it will resolve slowly.
If possible, upload a picture of the lesion.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal

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

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (14 minutes later)

here is a photo. I'm sorry it is poor quality. the pain had not been bad until I touched it and now it's quite painful. I've taken panadol and antinflammatorys.I've uploaded a better quality Picture. Can I ask if it's a minor vessel does that need any kind of treatment other than paracetamol and anti-inflammatory?. It's fairly painful and sore. How long should this take to heal?. If it was an injury to a major vein would there be significant pain/symptoms more that just mild pain and redness. I would like some reassurance. thank you for your patience and time Dr Mittal.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Dont worry

Detailed Answer:
I am quite certain its not a major blood vessel disease.It looks more like inflammation of the skin. If you had not told me about rubbing the area, I would have considered a bite. Use of antiinflammatory medicines should help. Take for approximately 7 days.
Major blood vessel diseases are fatal or cause significant morbidities.
The simple fact that you are actually typing and clicking pictures rules it out.
Relax.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina