Red spots on the back of neck

Pictures, causes, treatment, and when to seek help

A person may notice red dots on their skin for a number of reasons, ranging from allergic reactions to heat exposure.

Many causes of red dots on the skin are harmless and resolve on their own. Others may require at-home or over-the-counter (OTC) treatment.

In this article, we discuss some of the possible causes of red dots on the skin, their treatment options, and when to contact a doctor.

Skin rashes come in a variety of sizes, colors, and textures.

Not all rashes require emergency medical treatment. However, people should seek immediate medical attention if they have a rash and notice any of the following symptoms:

a rash that covers the entire body
fever
blisters or open wounds
difficulty breathing, speaking, or swallowing
swelling of the face, eyes, or lips
stiff neck
light sensitivity
seizures
drowsiness or unresponsiveness

People should also seek immediate attention for any new rashes that are painful and that affect the eyes, inside of the mouth, or genitalia.

When in doubt, a person should seek the opinion of a primary care provider or board-certified dermatologist.

Heat rash, or miliaria, occurs when the sweat glands become blocked, trapping sweat in the deep layers of the skin.

While anyone can have heat rash, this condition is most common among infants and young children with immature sweat glands.

Symptoms of heat rash include:

clusters of small red bumps called papules
firm, flesh-colored bumps
itchy or prickly sensation
mild or absent sweating in the affected area
inflammation and soreness
dizziness
nausea

Treatment

Heat rash usually goes away within 24 hours.

Treatment typically involves using lotions to soothe the itching, irritation, and swelling.

People can also keep the skin cool and avoid tight-fitting clothing.

Learn more about the treatment options for heat rash here.

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common skin condition that causes tiny red, white, or flesh-colored bumps on the skin.

It most often affects the outer parts of the upper arms. It can also affect the forearms and upper back, but this is less common.

Symptoms of KP include:

skin that feels rough or dry
patches of small, painless bumps on the skin
itching

Treatment

People can treat the symptoms of KP with:

moisturizers containing urea or lactic acid
alpha hydroxy acid
glycolic acid
lactic acid
retinoids
salicylic acid
laser or light therapy

Learn more about home management for KP here.

Contact dermatitis occurs when a person comes into contact with a substance that irritates their skin or triggers an allergic reaction.

Contact dermatitis symptoms vary depending on the trigger and the severity of the reaction.

Symptoms of contact dermatitis include:

a rash that appears in geometric patterns or shapes
dry skin that flakes and cracks
a bright, flushed skin rash
clusters of small red dots on the skin
hives, or extremely itchy welts on the skin
intense itching, tightness, or burning sensation
fluid-filled blisters that ooze and crust over
dark, thickened skin
sensitivity to sunlight

Learn more about contact dermatitis here.

Treatment

Treatment for contact dermatitis depends on the cause and severity of a person’s symptoms.

Mild to moderate symptoms improve when a person avoids contact with the irritant or allergen. If possible, people should:

avoid skin care products that contain harsh or irritating chemicals
avoid nickel- or gold-plated jewelry
avoid foods or medicines that cause allergic reactions
wear protective clothing in work environments or areas with poisonous plants

If the dermatitis is limited to a small area, a person can apply 1% hydrocortisone cream.

A doctor can prescribe stronger topical or oral antihistamines for people who do not respond to OTC medication.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.

There are many different types of eczema, including:

Follicular eczema: This type of eczema affects the hair follicles.
Papular eczema: This presents as small red bumps on the skin that healthcare professionals refer to as papules.

Alongside red bumps on the skin, eczema can cause:

extremely itchy skin
warmth and swelling of the skin
dry, flaky skin
clusters of small, fluid-filled blisters
blisters that leak fluid and crust over

Treatment

People can manage atopic dermatitis symptoms and even prevent flare-ups with the following treatments:

taking prescription medications, such as steroids and antihistamines
undergoing phototherapy or light therapy
applying a moisturizer to treat dry, cracking skin
using unscented, nonirritating laundry detergent
avoiding triggers, such as dry air, stress, and allergens

For severe atopic dermatitis that does not respond to the above treatment options, a person should see a board-certified dermatologist.

Taking bleach baths, which require using half a cup of bleach per 40-gallon tub, 1–2 times per week may also help.

Learn more about the treatment options for eczema here.

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes skin irritation, redness, and small pimples.

Although anyone can develop rosacea at any point in their lives, this condition most often occurs among adults aged 30–60 years, people with fair skin, and those going through menopause.

Symptoms of rosacea include:

irritated or red skin on the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin
blood vessels that are visible under the skin
clusters of small bumps or pimples
thick skin on the face
red, itchy, or watery eyes
inflammation of the eyelids
blurred vision

Treatment

People can treat rosacea with various strategies and medication. Some strategies that can help relieve rosacea include:

avoiding triggers, such as ultraviolet light, alcohol, and harsh chemicals
washing the face with pH-balanced cleansers
frequently using moisturizers
wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher

People should also avoid caffeinated products and spicy foods, as these can also trigger rosacea.

Medical treatments for rosacea include:

brimonidine tartrate
azelaic acid
metronidazole
electrosurgery
light therapy
topical ivermectin
oral tetracyclines

Learn more about the treatment options for rosacea here.

Certain infections can also lead to red dots on the skin.

If a person suspects an infection of the skin, they should consult a doctor.

Examples of these include:

Chickenpox or shingles

The varicella-zoster virus causes these infections, which produce red, itchy, fluid-filled blisters that can appear anywhere on the body.

Chickenpox usually occurs in infants and young children. However, adolescents and adults can also develop chickenpox.

Shingles occurs in adults who have already had chickenpox. According to the National Institute on Aging, shingles usually affects one area on one side of the body.

Rubella

This contagious viral infection causes a distinctive rash of small red or pink dots.

The rash usually starts on the face before spreading to the trunk, arms, and legs. Rubella infections also cause a fever, a headache, and swollen lymph nodes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that rubella is a relatively rare infection in the United States due to the widespread use of the MMR vaccine. The vaccine is available for infants and children aged between 9 months and 6 years.

Meningitis

Meningitis is a medical emergency. It is the inflammation of the membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain. It typically occurs due to a bacterial or viral infection.

Symptoms of meningitis include:

fever
stiff neck
headache
nausea
light sensitivity
confusion
vomiting

A rash does not always appear. However, if it does, a person might notice small pink, red, brown, or purple pinpricks on the skin. Also, it will not fade when a person rolls a glass over it.

MRSA (staph) infection

The CDC define Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as “a type of bacteria that is resistant to several antibiotics. ”

MRSA often infects the skin, leading to painful areas of inflamed skin. People may also experience pus drainage from the affected skin and fever.

Other bacterial infections of the skin may also cause painful and inflamed areas of the skin. If a person suspects that they are experiencing a skin infection, they should consult a doctor.

Scarlet fever

Streptococcus bacteria cause this infection.

These bacteria naturally inhabit the nose and throat. They cause a red rash on the neck, under the armpit, and on the groin. The rash consists of small red dots that are rough to the touch.

If a person suspects an infection of the skin, they should always consult a doctor.

People should also speak with a doctor if their rash does not improve despite using OTC or at-home treatments.

People should also seek medical attention if they have a skin rash accompanied by the following symptoms:

fever
severe head or neck pain
joint pain or stiffness
difficulty breathing
frequent vomiting or diarrhea
confusion
dizziness

If a person suspects a skin infection, they should contact a healthcare professional before trying any home remedies.

To relieve and manage skin rashes, people can try the following home treatments:

using mild, unscented soaps, body washes, and cleansers
avoiding bathing or showering in hot water
keeping the affected skin dry and clean
wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing
avoiding rubbing or scratching the skin rash
applying a cold compress to relieve swelling and pain
applying aloe vera to the affected skin to reduce swelling and soothe pain
using moisturizers to hydrate dry, flaky skin

There are several possible causes for red dots on the skin, including heat rash, KP, contact dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis.

Red dots on the skin may also occur due to more serious conditions, such as a viral or bacterial infection.

If people suspect that they have a skin infection, they should contact a doctor rather than use home remedies.

People can treat some skin rashes and their accompanying symptoms with home remedies and OTC treatments. These include avoiding the source of irritation and using OTC anti-itch ointments.

People can contact a doctor or dermatologist if their symptoms persist despite using at-home or OTC treatments. A doctor or dermatologist can diagnose the underlying cause and make appropriate treatment recommendations.

Read this article in Spanish.

Bumps on the skin: Pictures, causes, and treatments

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Papules

Doctors define a papule as any raised lesion or new growth on the skin that is less than 1 centimeter in diameter. For example, a small pimple or wart would be a papule.

A pustule is a type of papule that contains fluid or pus and typically has discolored or inflamed skin around it.

Both inflamed acne papules and pustules can appear when the pores of the skin become clogged with old skin cells, oil from the skin, and bacteria.

Over-the-counter medications can occasionally treat acne. If these do not work, a dermatologist — a doctor who specializes in the skin — can prescribe medications.

Although it is not always possible to prevent acne, practicing good skin care can help. People should wash their face twice a day and use lotion or makeup that is noncomedogenic.

Although it can be tempting to squeeze pimples, doing so can make the inflammation worse and possibly cause the skin to scar instead.

Skin tags

Skin tags are another common type of growth on the skin. The medical name for a skin tag is acrochordon. Skin tags tend to be flesh-colored growths that hang from the surface of the skin by a “stalk.”

Skin tags are more common in older people, and they usually appear in areas where skin rubs on skin, such as in the armpits, the groin, and around the neck.

These growths do not usually cause pain, and they are almost always benign, so doctors consider them a cosmetic concern rather than a medical issue. However, in rare cases, some forms of skin cancer can resemble a skin tag.

Skin tags do not go away on their own. Anyone looking to remove them will need to see a doctor.

The removal process is quick and easy. Doctors can cut skin tags away with scissors or a sharp blade, and they may use an electric cauterizing tool to prevent bleeding.

Doctors can usually diagnose skin tags easily by looking at them. However, if it is not obvious that a growth is a skin tag, a doctor may perform a biopsy. This involves removing a sample of the growth and sending it to a laboratory for testing.

Angiomas and hemangiomas

Hemangiomas are a type of noncancerous growth that can appear on the skin. They are typically red or dark purple, depending on skin tone, and people sometimes call them birthmarks or “strawberry marks.” A baby may be born with this growth, or it may appear in the first few weeks after birth.

If someone has multiple hemangiomas on their skin, they are at increased risk of an internal hemangioma. Internal hemangiomas grow in the internal organs — most often, the liver. They may also grow on muscles and bones.

Angiomas are small, discolored papules that develop on the skin. They can appear at any age but are more common among older people. They may be less noticeable in people with skin of color.

It is possible to develop multiple angiomas, which does not increase a person’s risk of internal angiomas or hemangiomas.

These skin bumps do not require treatment unless they bleed or are painful, but some people may wish to remove them for cosmetic reasons.

A doctor may use electrocauterization, laser therapy, or liquid nitrogen to remove angiomas. More extensive surgery may be necessary to remove a hemangioma if it is damaging nearby tissue or organs.

Doctors can typically diagnose both conditions during an appointment, but they may monitor the growths for signs of other skin conditions, including skin cancer. If the skin bumps are not causing issues, doctors may choose to observe them rather than treat them.

Although there are many benign causes of skin bumps, this symptom might indicate cancer in some cases.

Actinic keratosis

Skin cancers and precancerous lesions usually result from excessive exposure to the sun or other sources of UV light. Precancerous growths include actinic keratoses.

Actinic keratosis is most likely to appear on areas of the body that get exposure to UV light. These areas include the:

face
scalp
ears
lips
shoulders
neck
chest
arms
legs
back
back of the hands

Actinic keratoses appear as rough, scaly patches that people often describe as “dry patches.” Occasionally, they are raised in texture. They can come and go and typically show up more when in the sun. They can sometimes be tender to the touch.

About 10% of actinic keratoses can turn into squamous cell carcinoma, although this percentage is higher among people with a weakened immune system.

Doctors can treat actinic keratoses in the office with liquid nitrogen. Other treatment options include topical chemotherapy creams, such as aminolevulinic acid HCl (Levulan), which doctors might use alongside blue light therapy.

Basal cell carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BCC), with doctors diagnosing more than 3 million cases every year in the United States. BCC can look like an open sore, a papule or growth that does not heal or bleeds easily on its own, a shiny bump, or a discolored scaly patch.

BCC usually results from intense sun exposure and very rarely spreads to other areas of the body. However, it is important to get treatment for BCC to prevent it from destroying the surrounding skin and potentially invading nerve tissue.

Various treatment options are available for BCC. Although the most common recommendation is excision, Mohs surgery might be a better option if the skin cancer affects thinner tissue, such as the face.

If the lesions are more superficial, doctors may recommend either a topical chemotherapy cream or electrocautery and desiccation in the office. They are unlikely to use radiation therapy to treat a superficial skin cancer unless the person is older in age or the skin cancer is difficult to treat with surgery.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. Squamous cells are present throughout the body, as they line the throat, skin, lungs, and organs.

Squamous cell carcinoma can develop anywhere these cells are present. It often presents as a rough, scaly patch, but it can also look like a wart, dark brown mole, or open sore.

Before the cancer develops, some people may notice signs of skin damage, such as age spots or patches of discolored skin. In some cases, actinic keratosis develops into squamous cell carcinoma.

This type of skin cancer is more common in people with fair skin, but People of Color can also develop it. When they do, the cancerous spots tend to be in areas that do not commonly have exposure to the sun, such as the mouth, genitals, or anus.

Squamous cell carcinoma is not usually life threatening, but the tumor can grow large enough to injure nerves and blood vessels.

A doctor will likely take a biopsy of the spot to determine whether it is a squamous cell carcinoma or another type of skin cancer or lesion.

The treatment options include surgical removal, liquid nitrogen, and radiation therapy.

Melanoma

The most aggressive type of skin cancer is melanoma.

Melanoma can affect any area of the body. It can grow deep into the skin and may also affect the lymph nodes and blood vessels. Without treatment, melanoma can spread to the bones and organs.

Experts estimate that doctors will diagnose 197,700 new cases of melanoma in 2022 in the U.S. Of these, 97,920 will be noninvasive, and 99,780 will be invasive.

Despite only accounting for about 5% of all skin cancer diagnoses in the U.S., melanoma is responsible for the majority of deaths from skin cancer.

Melanomas are typically dark brown, pink, or black with an irregular border, although they can also be multicolored. They may sometimes arise from a large or atypical mole. In rare cases, they appear as growths with no melanin, which are known as amelanotic melanoma. These are faint and can be difficult to detect, increasing the risk of the cancer spreading.

It is important to adopt sun-safety habits to protect the skin. People should avoid direct sunlight for prolonged periods, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The advice is to apply 1 ounce of sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to the entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Those who plan on being outside for a long time should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. They should reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours.

A sunscreen with a physical blocker, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, might provide better protection. People with sensitive skin should look for noncomedogenic products.

Many different sunscreen products are available for purchase online.

It is also important to avoid using tanning beds, which increase the risk of skin cancer.

People should check their skin once a month and contact a doctor if they notice any new or changing lesions, or anything that itches, bleeds on its own, or does not heal.

People should examine their skin at home each month and let a doctor know if they notice any new or changing skin symptoms. It is important for the doctor to carry out a physical examination to rule out potentially severe conditions, such as skin cancer.

The doctor might also need to carry out tests to confirm a diagnosis. For example, carcinomas can often resemble other skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, so a biopsy may be necessary.

Once the doctor has the results of the biopsy, they can decide on the most effective treatments.

Rash on the neck - what to do, diagnosis and prevention

A rash on the neck is primarily a signal of a malfunction of internal organs or pathologies, and not just an aesthetic problem. There is a wide range of reasons and only a doctor can name the exact one after the examination and the tests received.

According to statistics, with the problem of a rash on the neck, people collide no less often than on the back or any other place, but do not pay enough attention to it. Before buying expensive drugs, we strongly recommend visiting a doctor who can establish an accurate diagnosis, otherwise you will rather harm your body. Below, you can find the main causes that cause a rash on the neck in adults:

Human hormonal problems. For example, in adolescents, red rashes on the face signal the process of restructuring taking place in the body from childhood to adulthood. In this case, such a rash is the norm, but for aesthetic purposes, drugs are still used that eliminate it. It is also considered normal to have red spots on the face during the menstrual period and in pregnant women. As for the rashes in other people associated with changes in hormones, this is a definite failure. It must be dealt with, as such problems can negatively affect all human life processes. For diagnosis, tests for hormones are used, which will confirm or refute the problems associated with the hormonal background. It should be noted that the rashes of the first type, associated with the restructuring of the body, and those that occur when the hormonal balance is disturbed, differ from each other. Age-related red rashes resemble blisters or blackheads in another way, they are bright in color, rich, inflamed and watery. As for the spots in pregnant women and with women's problems, they are more like the allergic nature of the rash. In addition, there are many other types of redness due to hormonal changes in the body. nine0010
Avitaminosis is another reason for the appearance of red spots on the face and body. In this case, the lack of vitamins weakens the immune system, and redness of a different nature acts as a protective reaction. In order to determine which vitamin is lacking in the body, you should undergo a certain examination.
Allergy. Here we can note the most common irritant in which a rash appears on the neck - this is vitamin D. That is, a reaction to the sun. It is not uncommon for irritants to be food, especially citrus fruits and a variety of fruits. But other factors should not be ruled out: animals, alcohol, clothing materials, and much more. nine0010
Bad habits, in particular smoking. In addition to the fact that they weaken the immune system, a rash on the neck can be a reaction of the body to tobacco, or rather the nicotine contained in it.
Severe stress. Due to a malfunction of the nervous system, a person has red spots on the body, in particular on the neck. Usually, this happens after a major shock or because of a stable state of stress.
Side effects of drugs. When taking new medications, redness of the neck is a very common reaction. nine0010
Severe changes in body temperature. Due to hypothermia or vice versa, overheating - red spots form on the skin, after a short time they disappear.
Substandard cosmetics. Often, hazardous substances can be added to products, especially be careful with fakes of expensive brands.
Pathologies and diseases of internal organs. The most common case is thyroid problems. But to reveal the exact epicenter of the disease and its nature, it will only be possible to pass an examination and pass tests. nine0010
Problems with the reproductive organs. This problem can occur in both men and women.
Prickly heat. This disease is associated with non-compliance with hygiene and, as a result, the introduction of infection into the body. In the absence of timely treatment, red spots may not be enough. It is necessary to immediately contact a specialist, in order to avoid complications and the spread of the disease.
Syphilis. Redness in the neck, usually appear six months after infection. They can have a different size and color intensity. Over time, they will cover the entire neck of the patient. Before obvious redness, areas of the skin begin to darken. In the early stages of syphilis, small pimples appear throughout the body. Which at different intervals disappear and appear again. At the stage of reddening of the neck, hair begins to fall out and most of the internal organs fail. This disease can only be treated with the help of an experienced specialist. nine0010

As you could understand, there are a lot of reasons that cause a rash in an adult, and only a specialist can determine the exact cause, who will prescribe the most effective treatment.

diagnostics in Germany EMEX Medical GmbH

Red spots on the skin can occur for various reasons. This is not an independent disease, but a symptom.

Red patches may be distributed throughout the body or occur locally, such as on the chest, face, neck or abdomen. A bilateral rash often indicates an internal reaction of the body, and uneven spots indicate the influence of external factors. Red spots on the skin can appear and disappear, itch, burn and swell - all this is important to consider for the dermatological diagnosis of red spots. nine0004

Dermatological examination in Germany

Causes of red spots

Red spots can have many causes, such as the body's reaction to infection with viruses or bacteria. It can also be a protective reaction of the body to the allergen.

The main causes of red spots are:

skin diseases,
allergic reactions,
genetic factors and pathologies,
hormonal changes.

To understand the cause of the appearance of red spots, when they appear, it is worth consulting with a doctor who can find an integrated approach and conduct high-quality diagnostics in Germany.

Thomas Ruzicka: Munich Clinic

Diseases that most often provoke the appearance of red spots

Acne . Acne is the most common skin disease in Germany - purulent pimples and red nodules are typical, which occur mainly on the face, but also on the back, chest, arms and shoulders. nine0010
Atopic dermatitis . It is a chronic skin condition that is usually characterized by inflamed skin and itching. In addition, the skin is often dry and flaky. Red spots can be uneven and chronic.
Psoriasis . With psoriasis, red, inflamed plates form on the skin, which are covered with white scales. Sometimes the rash can be very itchy.
Lichen planus . When it develops on the skin or mucous membranes, a large group of reddish, itchy nodules appear. They are especially common on the inside of the wrists or ankles and on the shins. nine0010
Rosacea . It is characterized by dilated veins and patchy red skin on the face. Redness of the nose, cheeks, and forehead may develop into pustules over time.
Scabies . In scabies, a red, itchy rash is caused by a parasite, the scabies mite. Other parasites can also cause a red rash, such as pubic lice, which primarily cause a rash in the armpits, chest, and pubis.
Skin fungus . Fungal skin diseases are characterized by slightly reddened, itchy, scaly patches of skin. Depending on the type of pathogen, they can settle on various parts of the body, especially often they appear in the folds of the skin. nine0010
Communicable diseases . In addition to skin conditions, red patches on the skin can also be caused by infections. Redness can occur with syphilis, hepatitis, Lyme disease, dengue fever.

Allergic reaction as a cause of red spots

Red spots on the body may result from an allergic reaction. Allergens can affect the body through the skin or mucous membranes. In the case of an allergy, in addition to a skin rash, there are often other symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, or itching. nine0004

You may be allergic to various substances such as pollen, certain foods or cosmetics. Contact with chemicals or the use of drugs such as penicillin can also cause a red rash.

In addition, red patches on the skin may occur as part of a sun allergy.

Treatment of childhood allergies in Germany

Red spots in children

In children, red spots on the skin can appear during teething or as a result of a number of "childhood diseases", most of which, however, occur not only in children. nine0004

Three-day fever . Three-day fever usually occurs in children between the ages of one and three. This is first manifested by a high fever, and then by a pale red rash. Small red spots appear mainly on the neck and trunk, but may also spread to the face.
Chickenpox . Chickenpox affects mainly children of preschool and school age. When an infection occurs, red blisters appear all over the body, especially on the face and trunk, accompanied by itching. nine0010
Rubella . It usually presents initially with symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes or mild fever. Later, a typical rash develops, which often begins behind the ears and spreads from the face to the rest of the body.
Scarlet fever . It is characterized by severe sore throat and fever. In the further course of the disease, the disease is often accompanied by a thick, fine-grained rash and a raspberry-red tongue.
Measles . Measles can affect children older than six months.
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