A rash on my neck for more than 1 month?

Hello, I decided to come on here to ask a question about a possible neck rash I've had for weeks now. I went to my dermatologist and because there were several whiteheads on my neck he didnt even take a second look and told me it was acne. I'm pretty sure its not acne though.

A couple of weeks ago I had patches of bumps on both side of my neck (left and right side only and clear in the middle) these bumps were irritating (my skin felt tight) but it was skin colored and barely noticeable so I didn't do anything about it. One day I washed my neck with a loofah and then it started breaking out into red bumps and whiteheads. I was also scratching it in my sleep apparently. One of the red bumps got to the side of a dime. That specific bump is gone now but I can feel two others forming. They are firm to the touch and painful. I'm pretty sure its not acne cysts because it doesnt develop come into head and just swells up and then gets better.

I am using cortizone creme right now it has dramatically improved but the bumps keep coming up. I also get what looks like whiteheads on the infected area but im pretty sure its not acne because if I pop it its just dry.

Please help! I will be going back to my dermatologist but I have to convince him its not acne. I would love to know what to tell him so he can prescribe me something! Thanks so much!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be due to folliculitis and boils. Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles. The condition may occur anywhere on the skin. Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus. Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful.In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics and lancing may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[SophyC88]

Thank you so much for your reply. I went to my dermatologist and was prescribed doxycycline (oral antibiotics) and clindamycin (topical antibiotics). I am currently applying both and I am seeing dramatic improvements. I think I might have gotten this problem from trying clothes on. This appeared only on my neck area where the hoodie was rubbing. The redness is still very visible so I am hoping that will go away in a couple of weeks. Once again, thank you for your reply!