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What Do Spreading Red Rashes On The Neck Indicate?
Question: I have a scarlet red "mark" on my neck 2" long and 1" wide. It's located at the base of my neck. I went to see my doctor yesterday and she gave me an antibiotic. I've taken 4 doses but it is spreading. The skin is very hot and dry. Please advise. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Need to go in to ER - bring your prescription bottle with you.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I read this question and also the additional information you provided. Did the doctor think that the red area was cellulitis? This would be a reason for prescribing an antibiotic for a reddened area. Cellulitis is an infection of the soft tissue. It usually comes on and grows rapidly, and is hot and tender. When it happens in extremities, you can soak it in hot water and sometimes nip the infection in the bud. But if it is on the neck, soaking it would not be a good idea. So an antibiotic can be necessary. The antibiotic should start working by 24 hours, although for soft tissue infections, less of the antibiotic reaches it compared with taking an antibiotic for a respiratory, urinary or gastrointestinal infection.
That the area appears to be spreading may mean that the infection is not sensitive to the antibiotic that you are taking. If it is noticeably spreading, and you have been on the antibiotic for a day, then you should go in to the ER to have this checked. Without seeing it, it is hard for me to know whether it is cellulitis, I am presuming it is because your doctor, who did see it, gave an antibiotic. But if it is cellulitis, then it needs to be addressed.
Need to go in to ER - bring your prescription bottle with you.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I read this question and also the additional information you provided. Did the doctor think that the red area was cellulitis? This would be a reason for prescribing an antibiotic for a reddened area. Cellulitis is an infection of the soft tissue. It usually comes on and grows rapidly, and is hot and tender. When it happens in extremities, you can soak it in hot water and sometimes nip the infection in the bud. But if it is on the neck, soaking it would not be a good idea. So an antibiotic can be necessary. The antibiotic should start working by 24 hours, although for soft tissue infections, less of the antibiotic reaches it compared with taking an antibiotic for a respiratory, urinary or gastrointestinal infection.
That the area appears to be spreading may mean that the infection is not sensitive to the antibiotic that you are taking. If it is noticeably spreading, and you have been on the antibiotic for a day, then you should go in to the ER to have this checked. Without seeing it, it is hard for me to know whether it is cellulitis, I am presuming it is because your doctor, who did see it, gave an antibiotic. But if it is cellulitis, then it needs to be addressed.
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
Answered by
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