What are these blotches?

I have posted a picture of the blotches I've been getting on both sides of the base of my neck at http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa324/wildharpo/IMG_20101222_105758.jpg, which only seems to happen when I am sick.  It happened in February, September, and now again today.  All three times, it has been preceded by a sudden sore throat and sore palette that heals fairly quickly, fatigue, a mild cough and nasal problems.  In September, it was also accompanied by a slightly raised, bumpy abdominal rash (doctor presumed I might have strep throat due to the combination of stomach rash and neck blotches, but the labratory test was negative).  These blotches ONLY occur at the base of my neck, in the same spot every time, and they go away within about three days (in February I took some OTC Benadryl then took some Amoxicillin in March for Bronchitis, in September I took Cedifir and ear drops, and this time I haven't had to take anything yet except some Tylenol for a headache).  They aren't raised or itchy, just an eyesore.  Does anyone have any ideas at all?

Thank you in advance.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be due to hives or dermatitis skin. Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They have a tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours.

Many cases of hives are "idiopathic," meaning no cause is known. Others may be triggered by viral infections or medications. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

If the symptoms persist then you need steroid for which I suggest you to consult a dermatologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.