Red skin on neck and upper chest

[Fish692]

I have red skin on both sides of my neck and my skin below my throat in a "V" shape. It doesn't itch. If I mash the redness below my throat with my finger and remove it there is a breif white spot that turns back red. The rednees on both sides of my neck varies in darkness due to shaving

[Drlaurel]

I don;t take blood pressure medication, nor any other, and I have had this problem for 10 years.  I am also a doctor and have been to many specialists for treatment.  In my case this v shape that looks like a permanent sunburn is skin damage caused by the sun over time.  It comes from years of wearing shirts that expose that area and never using sunscreen (until too late).  I have tried antihistamine creams and even a vasoconstrictor cream, steroids (I dont recommend) and various redness creams.  I cleanse the area and use a sunscreen by medicalia for Rosacea treatment which has a nice anti redness tint.  I also cover with Mac studio fix powder for formal events/dress up.   It helps, though some days are more red than others, i.e. Hot shower, stress, hot weather, exercise, sex, anything at increases blood flow to the skin will make you redder.  I also frequently have a raw area in a small spot.  I watch this carefully b/c this is an area of deeper damage and could always turn into something bad.  So I keep this treated and baby my skin when its irritated.  Colloidal oatmeal masques also help me.  IPL photo facials have done very little to help me except with the sun spots that were on top of the reddened skin.  Basically the capillaries in the skin have become damaged by sun and anything that irritates the skin will make you red.  It's also hyper pigmentation.  It all comes down to old sun damage.  Keep your kids in higher collared shirts and protect their pretty smooth chests.  I do.  

[Anrika]

I am a 35 year old female with the same thing happening for about 5 years now. Only problem is people always think I'm sunburnt.

[Submom3786]

Hi Drlaurel, I have to agree with you on the meds...I also have this problem and am not taking any meds regularly, have to wonder tho- if the effect is from years of sun, how can it pop up so quickly? Mine went from a few chest splotches to up both sides of my neck in a couple of months over the spring, when I wasn't outside much anyway. Plus one really bright red spot that took a little longer to get to that shade. I DID however take Levaquin during that time and have some other side effects too.

[BarbaraBell]

I had this red chest and face skin for the last several years. I'm 51. I just noticed last night, in fact, that I am no longer so red. What's different? I went on a low carb high fat diet about two months ago. I think the reddness was the result of inflammation. Try an anti-inflammatory diet.

[Angellajen12]

I have a similar rash but it is on my  upper back it is purplish in color I have had it for 2 years and it doesn't go away.

[Devinsnow25]

Unbelievable. I’ve been on my phone for a year and 4 months trying to figure out ONE person who had this going on with them. I’ve met ZERO people doctors included who know what this is.  I’ve went to at least 2 doctors a month the last year and 4 months praying that someone could figure it out. I have the red neck on both sides guys, I have it in the back of my neck guys, and I have it right there beneath my eyes. It comes and goes in how bright red it is. Sometimes just light pink like in the mornings when I first start my day. But as soon as that sun even finds it or as soon as my environment is hot or I’m moving around blood flowing, it just starts to get red and red as the day goes. At night once I get home it’s the most red. I’ve taken at least 2000 pictures of it. I’ve shown everyone. Talked to everyone. People think I’m nuts. But guess what it comes down to?
I work in the car business I was on the lot for 3 straight years hustling selling 15-20 cars a month just waiting in the heat for customers and the spots that got exposed are the spots I’m paying for today. There is no doubt in my mind it is just from the sun burning my white *** neck. Its a done deal now. This is the blog I needed to find and searched oh so damn hard to find. I always feel hot at night in the ears too. Comes and goes. Sometimes one ear hot one cold. BEST BELIEVE IM GOING TO GET THAT LASER TREATMENT AND ILL GO EVERY FEW YEARS TO GET IT.  I find when I take benzos it helps obviously and also whenever I’m just chilling at the house with the AC on 66 I am content after a while. I’d love to talk more with you guys about this, seems like people haven’t posted in years. Let me know if we can talk more, technology has advanced. Group messaging, social media, twitter, all that could change our situation if we get together and fight this. NO DOCTOR WILL KNOW WHAT THIS IS OR BE ABLE TO TELL YOU A FOR SURE ANSWER

[variant_13]

@Devinsnow25. Unfortunately, I think you are right.  This is long term sun exposure causing a mutation of capillaries.  I also think that @DrLaurel hit the nail on the head.  I believe that there is no magical time-frame to this unfortunate uprising skin change.  It is moreover, possibly a combination of skin products, age, sun exposure, genes or hormone changes at midlife.  I'm a 50 year old man and started noticing this a few years ago.  I was extremely distraught as it was very noticeable on both sides of my neck and has since progressed down to the front of my neck below my beard line.  Its a deep pigmentation that sometimes waxes and wanes.  I have had pdl treatments with great resolution, but it still exists, worsening during stressful times, heat, spicy foods,  coffee and other aggravating factors.  I have had wonderful luck with my skin, up until this point.  However, I was never one to use sunscreen and I believe now I am paying the price for it.  At one point I was so distressed that I had my GP order labs, because I thought it may be due high levels of iron and/or liver issues.  My GP even mentioned that she thought it was no big deal because it looked like a sunburn.  I have since diminished the redness with pdl treatments, with dietary changes and very non-antagonistic skin care(by this I mean, non-inflammatory skin soaps).  In the last few years, my t-zone has become very oily and has caused a very difficult time for me to keep balanced skin.  Its very disheartening, but I have managed to diminish the obviousness of it.  I think if you have a couple thousand dollars, pdl will eradicate a large percentage of this.  But I fear that once the capillaries are damaged, that it is possible it may return in a few years.  I believe there also is some association with Rosacea(I'm not talking about the papule related Rosacea, but the macule related).  While there can be many mitigating factors that cause teleangiestaciatic Rosacea, there is some kind of association with the gut flora(inflammatory) and predisposition to sun overexposure(years of it),  I know this seems convoluted, but I believe that causes of inflammation actually increase/worsen the dilation of these capillaries.  So, while you may get pdl treatments which assist in the eradication of these capillaries, continuous inflamation causing stimulates, will only bring back these issues.  I believe that once the skin has mutated with in some cases years of sun exposure with some people, or very minimal sun exposure for others, there is no full cure from preventing the return.  Thus, constant sun avoidance and all inflammatory stimulant avoidance are the only ways to reduce this redness.  Pdl treatments may reduce the current damage.

[variant_13]

I would welcome any correspondence on this matter.  If anyone has a magical cure?  I was a sun worshiper, avid weight lifter, fare skinned, highly stressful life and I have to say, that I believe all of these things led me to the skin place I am today.  At the same time, I am lucky that I have not inherited something worse, as it relates to skin damage for the amount of sun exposure I have submitted myself too.  Luckily, pdl has really helped diminish these lesions, but I do sometimes wonder what kind of price one might pay for these treatments, down the road.  I do believe this is some form of poikiloderma, but moreover due to sun damage.  They do say, they are very safe.  Btw, I'm not in laser sales nor promote it.  Please correspond with me if any of you have had any magical resolutions to this skin disorder?  

[templaardc]

Sorry to invade this thread but the only way to join this community is to reply

[happysoul1]

I don't think it's your blood pressure meds as I dont take any form of medicine and still have the rash spf50 does seem to help

[weerosie]

I've had exactly that same v shaped redness on my chest  for 5 years now. I think it's definitely related to medication for high blood pressure, rather than the high blood pressure itself. I had high blood pressure for several years, without use of any medication and didn't have the redness, then as soon as I started taking Candesartan it became red and blanched when pressed. My GP just dismisses me when I suggest it's yet another side effect of the blood pressure medication. I've started wearing high neck tops now because it's so noticeable and I feel self conscious about it. I've recently started putting aloe vera gel on it and it takes most of the redness away quickly. However, the effect doesn't last long. I'm going to persevere though as it may produce better results when applied long term.

[Wickedtwiztid]

My great grandfather my grandfather on my dad's side my dad and I all have the exact same thing when we are angry the patch almost seems to glow of our heart rate increases slightly it will brighten. I have noticed that it only itches or bothers me when it gets brighter it itches slightly my body will feel as if I am on fire. These things may not be related but it is weird that it only happens at those points. However great grandfather grandfather dad and I all have high blood pressure. I personally have had the patch on my lower neck and chest since I was 8 I am now 23 it is a little concerning to have had it this long and just noticing different reactions it has to different things I have tried eczema creams because I have eczema and we thought it was that but nope. Anyone if you find more out let us know please so we can stop thinking about our bright red chests lol

[ruthyruth1]

Goodbyegirl can you tell me the names of the products you bought from Sebamed please. I'd like to try :-)

[jennymode]

What is the treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte?
There is no specific medical treatment for this condition. The patient should be educated about avoiding sun exposure and the correct use of sunscreens. The results of treatment may be disappointing in many cases.
Sun protection including daily broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen
Avoid all perfumes on or near the affected area, including those in soap
Hydroquinone-containing preparations may help fade the pigmentation
Exfoliants including long term use of alpha hydroxy-acids and/or tretinoin
Pulsed dye laser (PDL) and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments seem the best way to reduce the telangiectasia and pigmentation

[jenn24241]

I also do but it's not a rash
It's like a tint
Anyone figure out how to get rid of it

[goodbyegirl28]

I've been using a new skin cleanser and lotion made by Sebamed for sensitive skin.  It has decreased the redness on my neck and chest by several shades in just about one month.  I'm hoping that over time the whole area will match the rest of my skin with continued use.

[robin8176]

could you tell me the exact name of the cleanser and lotion?

[Kobiebear]

I also need the exact name of cleanser and lotion.

[pnhnut]

I read every post and I can relate to all things mentioned about the mysterious "vee" shaped sunburn looking skin disorder.  This has been a perplexing problem for four years now myself, and I have been to see numerous doctors ranging from dermatologists to rheumatologists to endocrinologists to neurologists and every single one of them shrugged their shoulders at me and said - we just don't know what causes these things and therefore don't know what will cure it, because we just don't know what "it" is!
Very frustrating to say the least.  But at the very least, I see it this way, at least it is not affecting my quality of life and for that I am thankful.
But of course we would all still like to have an answer.

[annestoy]

I tried pulsed light laser - and it seemed to help for a little while but the redness came back. So, I spent all that money for nothing. I've also noticed that it's sometimes redder than other times so it must be tied to allergies? I'm going to try Cetirizine next and see if that helps.

[happysoul1]

Iam also afflicted with the exact same thing, does anyone have any new info?,i also went to a tanning salon but only three times around the time it started to appear.

[rshrobinson]

I have the same redness on my neck and chest that others have been describing. Checking images online, it does resemble poikiloderma of civatte. The other clue I just found is a Phototoxic Drug Reaction from being in the sun while on medication. There are lists of offending medications on line and mine appears to have been Levaquin. I am now looking for magic creams etc to address. A few I have seen online include:Topical niacinamide, Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract, Alpha-Arbutin and organic rosehip oil. There are also mentions to avoid Hydroquinone. Treatments mentioned include:Laser treatments(IPL: intense pulsed light, PDL: Pulsed Dye Laser) andBBL - broadband light. Has anyone tried and had luck with any of these?

[Dee5353]

WELL I'M A LADY WITH A RED UPPER CHEST! IT'S IMBARRASING

[gracie303]

You may have Poikiloderma of Civatte. Check out http://www.dermatopedia.com/poikiloderma-of-civatte/.

All the best.

[horseflesh2000]

I also have this reddening started on one side of neck and throat ending just under windpipe area. Now other side is reddening as well.
Also have high blood pressure and take cholesterol pills. along with prednisone and cellcept.

Im a kidney transplant recipient and wonder if this could be related to the tubes I had in my neck pre transplant for dialysis but doesn't explain both sides?

[ScotchIrish]

Mariann,
I am a middle-aged man and have had the exact same thing as several of the others have described above.  Nothing seems to permanently get rid of the redness and although it doesn't itch- and short of just being annoying, has not been an issue.  I am just wondering what underlying condition this is a symptom of that could likely big a bigger problem down the road.  Also others notice the rash, and immediately assume it is lupus.  I remember however that I used to use tanning booths/beds.  I really do not remember having this rash before I started tanning years ago.  I believe just treating this topically with a cortisone cream and avoiding UV exposure will help to lessen the redness.  Any product used on the hair, cologne, clothes detergent- could all possibly further aggravate this.  A dermatologist is likely the best bet- at least there is some comfort in knowing this is not a unique situation.  Please post further if you find a better solution!

[Mariann97128]

I also have this redness on my chest in a V shape and up both sides of my neck.  I have tried the allergy medicine, increased estrogen via bith control pill and neither of those suggested treatments made any difference.  It is becoming more predominate and people are noticing.  I have been to 3 doctors and I have still have no answers.  It would be nice to get an answer.  It is the middle of Winter and it is definitely not a sunburn like two of the doctors suggested????Could use some direction?

[brenskel]

I have petechiae on my feet, ankles and lower shins.  I also have chronic redness, resembling a sunburn, on my chest, and bilateral redness on my neck, below my jaw hinge, as well as a semi-raised, blotchy, rash on the back of my neck, at the base of hairline, that comes and goes. After I shower, I have red patches on the backside of my arms. I began suffering from cystic acne in my thirties and still  do now, ten years later.  My doctor has tested me for ANA and it was normal as was my se-rate.  I was dx with fibromyalgia about nine years ago, but I'm unsure if my skin problems are part of my syndrome, or if there is some other problem.

[stellestelle52]

I too have a red V shaped spot on my upper chest, and a red line going from my left jaw bone to my chin and then to my right jaw bone. It is not a rash and it looks a lot like the discolouration i had on my face after giving birth to my 2 kids , but it was of a browner colour. When i asked the nurse about it, she said it was the trauma of the birth that caused it.  I notice that when i get very upset or when i have a hot flash , it gets even redder. Also when my bood preasure goes up.  Personally , i think that it is caused by a nervous system, but i could be wrong, i do wish i could find out thoough.

[phxsandwitch]

I also have redness on my neck and upper chest. This has been going on for 3 years now and does not seem related to sunburn "although it looks like one" and it doesn't go away in the winter. Recently it has started itching. I have treated it topically by wearing sunscreen and using Aloe and have treated it with Tea Tree Oil with no results such as a mere sunburn would have.
I take medications for high blood pressure and high cholesterol as well as Ibuprofen and Flexeril for chronic tension headaches. But my Dr claims that none of these would cause a reaction like this.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

The neck rash could be due to several causes. You would need to see a skin specialist to rule out sunburn, heat rash or miliaria, eczema, sweat dermatitis, heat rash, acne, folliculitis, impetigo, even lupus, etc.

You could take some oral antihistamine or antiallergic medications like loratadine or cetrizine and see if it helps with your symptoms. Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions to help soothe the itching.

What other symptoms are you having? Since when have you noticed the leions?

Are you allergic to any specific substances?

Let us know about how you are doing and post us about what your doctor advises.

Post us if you need any further information.

Regards.

[m1234b]

it don,t itch  it burning all the time

[m1234b]

it don,t itch  it burning all the time and i been to 2 doctors and still don,t know its not sunburn i know that its been over a year now still not better