How to Identify and Treat Eczema on the Neck

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsTreatmentPreventionWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFAQs

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Causes

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

When to See a Healthcare Provider

FAQs

Eczemais an umbrella term that describes a group ofskin conditionsthat cause itchy rashes. Though eczema can occur anywhere on the body, it often develops on the neck because of a type of yeast known as Malassezia spp. Eczema on the neck is often referred to as head and neck dermatitis.

This article discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for neck eczema.

The cause of eczema isn’t well known. That said, it can sometimes result from:

Other aspects play a role in the development of eczema, including:

How Common Is Eczema?According to the National Eczema Association, eczema affects roughly 31.6 million people in the United States.Though the numbers associated with head and neck dermatitis aren’t clear, children seem more likely to develop it.

How Common Is Eczema?

According to the National Eczema Association, eczema affects roughly 31.6 million people in the United States.Though the numbers associated with head and neck dermatitis aren’t clear, children seem more likely to develop it.

The symptoms of neck eczema include:

Treating head and neck dermatitis depends on the cause. If the Malassezia spp fungus causes it,antifungal medicationcan clear up the rash.

If fungus isn’t to blame and it develops because of an unknown cause, different treatment options may be explored, such as:

Severe Neck Eczema and Oral MedicationsIn severe cases, oral, intravenous, or injectable medications may treat the body as a whole. These can include corticosteroids and medicines that suppress the immune system.

Severe Neck Eczema and Oral Medications

In severe cases, oral, intravenous, or injectable medications may treat the body as a whole. These can include corticosteroids and medicines that suppress the immune system.

How Eczema Is Treated

In most cases, you cannot prevent eczema on the neck from occurring. That said, you can prevent it fromflaring upif you do have the condition. Preventing flare-ups revolves around keeping the skin moisturized and avoiding any triggers you may have, such as stress or contact with an allergen or irritant.

Avoiding TriggersTo avoid triggers for your neck eczema, you must first learn what they are. Say you notice that you have flare-ups during times of great stress. You can then use stress management techniques to help keep your neck eczema at bay during more difficult times.

Avoiding Triggers

To avoid triggers for your neck eczema, you must first learn what they are. Say you notice that you have flare-ups during times of great stress. You can then use stress management techniques to help keep your neck eczema at bay during more difficult times.

7 Home Remedies for Eczema

Suspecting you have eczema on your neck should warrant an appointment with adermatologist, a medical provider specializing in skin disorders.

Some of the signs that tell you that you should contact your medical provider as soon as possible include:

Summary

A Word From Verywell

Eczema, especially on the neck, can severely impact your quality of life. Aside from the itchiness and other symptoms associated with the condition, it can cause a cosmetic issue because of its unsightly rash. Eczema is highly treatable. Because of that, even if you have neck eczema, you can find a treatment that works for you so that you don’t have to deal with the symptoms daily.

Coping With the Emotional Impact of Eczema

Frequently Asked QuestionsEczema can commonly occur on the neck, but it is most likely to develop in children. Adults, however, can still have neck eczema. Roughly 31.6 million Americans cope with eczema daily.Learn MoreEczema in Children: Overview and MoreMany things can trigger an eczema flare-up, such as:Antibiotic useHigh levels of stressComing into contact with an irritant or allergenCold and dry weatherLearn MoreEczema Triggers: Identification and ManagementThere are many over-the-counter options for people with eczema. However, not everything that claims to be good for the skin is good for eczema. People with neck eczema should avoid:Products with glycolic acid, retinol, or salicylic acidFragrance or other harsh and heavily scented soaps and body washesEssential oilsProducts containing urea or lanolinFoaming agentsProducts containing ethanolLearn MoreThe 8 Best Lotions for Eczema of 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

Eczema can commonly occur on the neck, but it is most likely to develop in children. Adults, however, can still have neck eczema. Roughly 31.6 million Americans cope with eczema daily.Learn MoreEczema in Children: Overview and More

Eczema can commonly occur on the neck, but it is most likely to develop in children. Adults, however, can still have neck eczema. Roughly 31.6 million Americans cope with eczema daily.

Learn MoreEczema in Children: Overview and More

Many things can trigger an eczema flare-up, such as:Antibiotic useHigh levels of stressComing into contact with an irritant or allergenCold and dry weatherLearn MoreEczema Triggers: Identification and Management

Many things can trigger an eczema flare-up, such as:Antibiotic useHigh levels of stressComing into contact with an irritant or allergenCold and dry weather

Many things can trigger an eczema flare-up, such as:

Learn MoreEczema Triggers: Identification and Management

There are many over-the-counter options for people with eczema. However, not everything that claims to be good for the skin is good for eczema. People with neck eczema should avoid:Products with glycolic acid, retinol, or salicylic acidFragrance or other harsh and heavily scented soaps and body washesEssential oilsProducts containing urea or lanolinFoaming agentsProducts containing ethanolLearn MoreThe 8 Best Lotions for Eczema of 2022

There are many over-the-counter options for people with eczema. However, not everything that claims to be good for the skin is good for eczema. People with neck eczema should avoid:Products with glycolic acid, retinol, or salicylic acidFragrance or other harsh and heavily scented soaps and body washesEssential oilsProducts containing urea or lanolinFoaming agentsProducts containing ethanol

There are many over-the-counter options for people with eczema. However, not everything that claims to be good for the skin is good for eczema. People with neck eczema should avoid:

Learn MoreThe 8 Best Lotions for Eczema of 2022

7 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Thomsen SF.Atopic dermatitis: Natural history, diagnosis, and treatment.ISRN Allergy.2014 Apr 2;2014:354250. doi:10.1155/2014/354250

National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.

National Eczema Association.Eczema facts.

Maarouf M, Saberian C, Lio PA, Shi VY.Head-and-neck dermatitis: Diagnostic difficulties and management pearls.Pediatr Dermatol.2018 Nov;35(6):748-753. doi:10.1111/pde.13642

Rubenstein RM, Malerich SA.Malassezia (pityrosporum) folliculitis.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2014 Mar;7(3):37-41.

National Eczema Association.8 skincare ingredients to avoid if you have eczema, according to dermatologists.

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