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What Causes Red Itchy Rashes On Arms And Behind Neck?

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Posted on Wed, 28 Jan 2015
Question: Hello, I've had a red itchy rash on both my inner arms and back of my neck. It flares up every few hours and on my neck it feels like someone is sticking pins on and off. I thought it was just dry skin and lotion isn't helping.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Red itchy rash could be eczema

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic,
It could be an allergic skin condition called eczema. For eczema moisturising lotion helps but might not be enough sometimes. You might require topical steroids to control the rash. You have an option of uploading reports on the right side of your query paqe. Please upload a photograph of the rash so that It will help in diagnosis and I can guide you better.
Waiting for the photograph,
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Follow up: Dr. Johny Chacko (8 minutes later)
I attached photos and to add to the rash it sometimes feels that something is crawling on my neck and I'm being stuck with a pin several times. that has to be some sort of virus?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (25 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It looks like eczema, it is not virus

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back,
Thanks for the photographs. What you are having looks like eczema. You require a topical steroid to control this eczema. Eczema is a skin allergy and not caused by any virus.
You may apply Aveeno colloidal oatmeal moisturizer twice daily, once immediately after bath. After applying moisturizer apply a mid potent topical steroid like mometasone 0.1% over rash twice daily. You might require a prescription for this. The topical steroid which is available over the counter is hydrocortisone cream which might be a little mild to control your rash. Also take an anti histamine tablet like Benadryl at night for 2 weeks.
Once rash subsides continue using moisturizer to prevent recurrence.
Hope this helped,
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Johny Chacko (49 minutes later)
Ok, thanks so much for your advice. I actually visited my doctor this morning and he did say eczema rash as well. He issued me two prescriptions with one being topical and another an oral pill. Hopefully, this will control the rash. I do have one final question though. What do you think the cause of this rash was? it seemed odd that it was on both arms from the middle of my armpits down to my forearm and also just the top end of my neck? I do go to spin class 3-4 times a week and sweat a lot while taking the class. I also live in the midwest and it's very cold and dry weather. This is my last question, so any opinion would be appreciated. Thanks again for your expert advice too. it was very helpful. Take care, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (46 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Cause of eczema is a combination of several factors

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back.
Good to know that you have confirmed the diagnosis and started treatment. Eczema is an allergic skin condition and the main cause is disruption of barrier function of the skin. Usually it is a combination of several factors that cause eczema. Cold and dry weather, excessive sweating, decreased oil gland secretion and dryness of skin with age, hot water showers, harsh soaps, synthetic fabrics (non cotton), hair and dander of pets, dust etc are all contributory factors and usually a combination of these factors cause eczema.
Common sites of eczema are upper and lower limbs. Arm pit is not a common site, but in your case it can be explained by the excessive sweating over the area because of spin class.
Hope this helped,
Wish you good Health, Take care.
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Johny Chacko

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 1916 Questions

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What Causes Red Itchy Rashes On Arms And Behind Neck?

Brief Answer: Red itchy rash could be eczema Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to healthcare magic, It could be an allergic skin condition called eczema. For eczema moisturising lotion helps but might not be enough sometimes. You might require topical steroids to control the rash. You have an option of uploading reports on the right side of your query paqe. Please upload a photograph of the rash so that It will help in diagnosis and I can guide you better. Waiting for the photograph, Take care.