Neck rash in children
Children can suffer from a rash on the neck just like adults. Basically, the same causes as for adults are conceivable. A very common cause in small children is head lice infestation, as transmission can easily occur due to close contact in kindergarten or school.
Other common causes are typical childhood diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella or chickenpox. Specific accompanying symptoms often appear, so that these and the characteristic appearance of the rash make it easy for the pediatrician to make the diagnosis. Atopic dermatitis (neurodermatitis) is also a common cause of rashes in children. Itchy, red, dry skin areas are typical. The neck and scalp can be affected, but the flexor sides of the arms and legs are also typically affected.
Neck rash in the baby
Babies can also have rashes on the neck. A frequent cause of this is the so-called milk crust. This is a symptom of atopic dermatitis in infancy.
Typical are highly itchy nodules in the scalp and neck area, which are accompanied by scaling and crust formation. The milk crust usually appears after the 3rd month of life. In contrast, the seborrheic infant eczema, which is also known as head gneiss, occurs shortly after birth.
Typical are oily, firmly adhering scales on reddened skin. The infestation is usually limited to the head, but can also affect the neck, face and diaper area. Itching is not typical.
Neck rash due to allergy
An allergic reaction is a possible cause of a skin rash in the neck. Such a rash is also called allergic eczema or allergic contact dermatitis. Typical allergens can be textiles, for example a new sweater, pieces of jewelry and the metals or fragrances and cosmetics they contain.
Allergic eczema typically shows redness and pronounced itching, as well as small raised skin features known as wheals. Skin rashes can also be a symptom of food allergies or other allergies, for example to pollen (hay fever). Itching and redness of the skin are also typical.
So-called antihistamines are available to relieve itching. For more severe symptoms, creams containing cortisone can be applied.
