Strange Sunburn Like Itchy Red Rash Around Neck? Any Idea's?

[ThyroidPrincess]

I began to get a strange sunburn like rash around my neck only a few months ago (it has now gotten worse). It feels very systemic. It is not a typical rash. It is not raised. There are no bumps or scaliness. I posted in the thyroid forum because I am having thyroid issues and wondered if it could be related but my endocrinologist doesn't seem to think so (of course doctors are notorious for missing things that can be obvious). It's only around my neck and it's making me miserable. I have not eaten anything new. I have not started wearing any new perfumes or using any different detergents. No new foods or drugs...nothing. No jewelry either. I've tried different antihistamines and a bezillion ointments and creams (Sarna Ultra is the only thing that even gives me any semblance of relief).

The only other thing that I have done differently from my normal routine is that I began to use Differin Gel 3% on my face only which is why I never thought of it as being the cause of this strange neck rash, but a friend at work said that I should look into this so here I am. Is this possible? I have heard that Differin can be a bit systemic for some. I never used this on my neck so I am wondering if anyone else has had any strange rashes like this from Differin in places that it was not applied (like in an area that was near where it was applied)? If anyone has any ideas in general that would be great because this rash is scaring me a bit now. I'm a breast cancer survivor so I don't know if this strange rash is signaling that something is wrong systemically or what here. My GP is at a loss as he has never seen a rash like this pop out of nowhere on a persons neck only that has a sort of necklace pattern even though I do not wear jewelry nor have I ever had a rash like this. It's flat, angry and looks like a sunburn though it itches like crazy!

Anyone have any idea's? I would greatly appreciate any help someone might give here. Thank you. :)

[kjmassaro]

I have been experiencing the same exact rash on both left and right side of neck. Looks like sunburn, sometimes a little itchy, sometime warm to touch like actual sunburn. Not raised and have had it for over a month. Went to dermotologist to have it checked and was told right out that it was this thing called Poikiloderma of Civatte. I was told in my case it was due to sun exposure over the years. I have fair skin and don’t ever lay out in the sun. I burn very easily and I try to avoid. But sometimes just driving  in car, the sun hits my neck at times. Was told there’s no cream that will make it go away. There’s laser procedure that can help but it’s very expensive. Was told to just apply sunscreen whenever out doors and avoid the sun hitting it. Was told it can get worse looking as time goes on. I asked why all of a sudden after all these years? It’s due to the vascular cells and veins just under the skin that’s dying and that’s why it looks that way. I may go to my Primary doctor and see if he can take blood test etc. could be a hormone imbalance or something else. Most of the time I don’t feel anything and then someone tells me your neck is all red. Embarrassing mostly. I don’t take any medications at all. I’m 57 years old and it just started appearing. I noticed the first symptoms happened a couple years ago after getting veracose laser surgery. The rash broke out on both inner sides of my ankles. Same type of rash. Was told it could be vasculitis of some sort. But now my neck? Maybe my primary cardiology doctor will have some input. Sucks getting old.

[shellseekers]

I had a rash like yours for two years continuous.  I tried everything to no avail. Finally, I read that Listerine was effective in clearing rashes.  I splashed it on my neck for a couple of days and the rash is completely gone!  It is worth a try!  Good luck.  I know your pain!

[GravesGin]

I also have a strange type of Graves disease and am a breast cancer survivor. I developed this red and itchy rash around the base of my neck about a year ago. It is burning sometimes. My dermatologist is stumped. It went away once but recently came back. Tonight it is bothering me so much I am frantically looking on the internet to see if I can find out anything. I would like to talk to you.