Little red bumps on the neck can be bothersome and can stem from a variety of diseases and conditions. These bumps may cause no symptoms at all, or they may cause significant symptoms, such as itching and burning. Identifying the cause is critical because without a clear cause treatment cannot be given. If you experience little red bumps on your neck, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible so that the cause can be determined and treatment can begin.
Causes
Acne is a condition many experience, but few realize that this condition can also affect the neck. Acne is caused by a variety of factors, including hair follicle irritation due to shedding dead skin cells abnormally, overproduction of oil and bacteria building up. Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts to a substance it comes into contact with. Just about anything can irritate the skin, such as cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry pieces containing nickel, lotions, and personal hygiene and household cleaning products. Head lice are small parasitic insects that infest humans to feed on their blood. Head lice may occur if you get too close or share clothing with an infested person. Acne keloidalis nuchae is different from regular acne and it is not related to it, according to Skinsight. This condition is caused by ingrown hairs.
Symptoms
Acne is most common on the face, neck, shoulders, back and chest. Symptoms include blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps with white tips, pus-filled cysts, small raised bumps and solid, large, painful lumps. Contact dermatitis can occur anywhere on the body that comes into contact with an irritant. Symptoms include itching, blisters, skin rash, red bumps or rash, tenderness or pain or red, dry patches, according to MayoClinic.com. Head lice affect the head and sometimes the neck. Symptoms include small red bumps and itching. Acne keloidalis nuchae most often occurs on the lower part of the scalp and on the back of the neck. Symptoms include pus-filled or red bumps that may or may not be itchy or tender. Scarring is also possible.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing acne is typically done by a doctor looking at your skin. Diagnosing head lice involves a health care provider examining your head and looking at the scalp. Diagnosing contact dermatitis sometimes only requires a visual examination. If this is not enough, a patch test may be done to determine the possible irritant causing this condition, according to MayoClinic.com. Acne Keloidalos nuchae is often diagnosed by visually examining the affected area.
Treatment
Treating acne may involve topical over-the-counter creams and lotions that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Prescription topical creams or lotions are stronger and may be prescribed if your acne does not respond to over-the-counter treatments. Moderate to severe acne may require antibiotics. Deep cysts may require isotretinoin. Other possible treatments include cosmetic procedures, oral contraceptives or light and laser therapy. Contact dermatitis is treated through avoiding the irritant, oral medications, such as corticosteroids or antihistamines, and topical creams, such as hydrocortisone cream. Head lice is treated through the use of special shampoo or lotions, containing lindane or malathion. In causes where other methods are not effective, ivermectin pills may be used. Acne keloidalis nuchae may be treated in a number of ways, such as retinoid creams, prescription-strength cortisone, oral antibiotics, oral corticosteroids, laser destruction, steroid injections into the bumps, surgically removing the bumps or liquid nitrogen, according to Skinsight.
Prevention
You can help to prevent acne by keeping the skin clean, using over-the-counter products that kill bacteria, not using heavy foundation makeup, showering after sweating and not wearing makeup when sleeping, according to MayoClinic.com. Contact dermatitis can be prevented by avoiding the substances that cause it. Head lice can be prevented by avoiding contact with people or items that are known to be infested. Acne keloidalis nuchae can be prevented by taking the steps necessary to prevent ingrown hairs, such as exfoliating the skin before shaving, using a sharp blade or using an electric razor.
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