Q:

Last weekend, I came down with a rash on my neck that resembled a sunburn and itched horrifically. I thought my skin was just really dry, but lotions didn't help it. It's gone now, but I'm wondering if you have any idea as to what it could've been. I know it was definitely not a sunburn, but could it have been an allergic reaction?

 

A:

An isolated very itchy rash is most likely from a contact dermatitis--something that touches your skin that you are sensitive to. On the neck, it is most likely a sensitivity to detergents or fabric softeners in clothing that rub on the neck, or a metal sensitivity from a necklace. It is possible you had an insect bite you reacted to, but it sounds more spread out than that.

if it happens again when we are open, we can certainly take a look. The best thing to do when you have an itchy patch again is to apply hydrocortisone cream 1% which is over the counter.

~The Doc