Rash on Back, Shoulder, Neck: Symptoms, Itchiness, Treatments & Relief Remedies

What is a back rash? What causes them? Having this skin problem, especially that which is chronic isn’t anything, anyone wants to have. One question you should, therefore, ask yourself is how it be treated?

Explore more to get its meaning, causes, symptoms, itchy one, rash on shoulder, stomach and back of neck and ways, which you can get rid of

Meaning

According to medical experts, a rash is a symptom of affected skin that become red, swollen and blotchy. “The rash may cause spots that are bumpy, scaly, flaky, or filled with pus.” [Healthgrades.com].

Another important thing we should acknowledge about rashes is that they vary in pattern, location, and size, shape (i.e. circular rash) and can occur anywhere in the body. Its severity may depend on the causes and the medical response. Medical history of a person can also somewhat influence the characteristics of the underlying rash.

Finally, you must bear in mind is that these rashes can be itchy or non-itchy. Such can also be painful or hot to touch.

Causes

They have a variety of triggers. This condition may reveal something occurring around the back or may suggest body-wide condition including disorders of internal organs.

The common cause of back rash that is usually missed is poor hygiene. Why? Well, this is due to the fact that the back is a more difficult place to reach so, it is often not washed thoroughly as other body parts. Check below to familiarize yourself with the common causes:

1. Back acne

The back is a common site for acne vulgaris also known as bacne. This skin condition occur when the hair follicle pore are clogged resulting to formation pimples.

This can begin as blackheads and whiteheads and then develop to other body lesions i.e. pus-filled cyst or boils. They can emerge on back and then spread to other parts (face, neck, chest, leg, thigh e.t.c.) or vice versa. Bacne usually result to painful and extremely itchy rashes.

2. Psoriasis

This itchy skin condition can also result this skin condition. It occur when there is abnormal growth of skin cells leading to thickening of skin and serious skin dryness.

Its symptoms include silvery-white rash with red raised borders and skin scaling (red rash). The specific cause of this condition is not known but it has been linked with autoimmune disorder. Some factors that can trigger this condition include:

Certain drugs
Smoking cigarette
Dry and cold climatic condition
Stress and depression
Severe illness can also trigger this condition
Heavy intake of alcohol

3. Urticaria (Hives)

Those raised itchy bumps which are dark red on your back could be hives. This condition is commonly caused by an allergic reaction. There are also non-allergic condition that can lead to hives. They include harsh temperatures, friction, sunburns or even extreme exercising.

Many people with chronic urticaria have also been diagnosed with autoimmune disorders. “30-40 percent of people with chronic urticarial have the autoimmune system as the cause.” [Healthyskinmd.com].

4. Heat Rash (Miliaria)

Heat otherwise called prickly heat can result to extremely itchy rash after the body has been exposed to heat. It shows up as an itchy one that is surrounded red skin, which is accompanied with stinging sensation.

It can be triggered with tight-fitting clothing, which may result to intense sweating. It is common in areas such as back, neck, chest, armpits, groins and abdomen among other places that can heavily clothed. According to Newsbeat.co.ke, “It is most common in kids and active people.” Hive can be very severe to an extent that it can accompany fever and other serious symptoms.

5. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is prevalent condition that usually affect skin areas that have sebum glands. This condition can be alleviated by illness, change in climatic conditions, stress and depression and fatigue. Actually it is triggered by Malassezia yeast living on the skin.

It causes a red rash on the back especially the upper part of the back, where thick yellowish scaling may occur.

6. Contact Dermatitis (Allergic Reactions)

This is a skin condition due to allergic reaction leading to skin irritation when it comes into contact with the allergens. Irritant dermatitis is the common type of contact dermatitis. When substances such soaps, cosmetics or detergents come into contact with the back skin, a new rash may be born. The resultant may be itchy or non-itchy.

7. Tight-fitting Clothing

It can can result from tight-fitting clothing which may irritate the skin on the back resulting to back rash. Tight-fitting clothes are also accompanied by excessive perspiration especially with clothing of rough texture.

Furthermore, clothes washed using strong detergents or fragranced products as well as some synthetic fibres may irritate the skin leading to rashes. Tight clothing can also cause overheating leading heat rash.

8. back sunburn

Sunburn another potential factor that can cause. Sunburn occur when there is intense and prolonged exposure to the sun. This can be worse when one has no clothing.

Sunburn usually make the skin to appear red, darker and with burning sensation. The resultant rash can be very itchy but can clear off after a short while.

9. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Eczema is an itchy skin disease linked with unusual response to certain allergens. It begins in childhood and can proceed to adulthood and it is among the major causes of rashes on kids.

The symptoms include dry, rough and red skin. It may urge one to scratch the affected skin which may cause the skin to peel and bleed. The cause of eczema is not well known but it has linked to allergens, hay fever and asthma in childhood.

10. Infections and Infestations

There are various infections and infestations that may result to this condition. They include:

Herpes zoster (shingles)
Staphylococcal skin infections
Cellulitis
Body lice
Scabies
Tinea versicolor (yeast skin infection)
Tinea corporis
Impetigo
Secondary syphilis

11. Generalized Pruritis

It a bothersome itching feeling that can affect the whole body and can be severe at specific places. It may not be due to primary skin diseases. There are various types of generalized Pruritus depending on underlying causes. They may be triggered by:

Blood diseases
Hormone disorders
Cancers
Kidney disease
Gallbladder, Liver or bile duct disease

12. Other Causes

Neurodermatitis
Dry Skin
Shampoo and Dye
Urushiol Oil
Waxing, shaving and back hair removal

Symptoms

This skin problem can have symptoms varying from mild to moderate to severe. These symptoms depend on the primary causes. Some causes may lead to severe or life-threatening conditions for instance rashes due to secondary syphilis.

Again, rashes have very many symptoms that usually make the diagnostic very challenging. Some of the symptoms related to it include:

Small fluid-filled blisters
Dry skin before the occurrence of a rash
Skin discoloration on the back i.e. reddening of the skin
Flaky, Scaly or crusted skin
Excessive sweating(hyperhidrosis)
Pimples, blisters or boils
Itchy or swollen skin

Itchy rash on back

This comprises of a rash and sensation that may force one to scratch it. Itchy rash on back causes are numerous and range from just a mild reaction to complex medical conditions. An itchy one may have variant size, shape, color and pattern. Causes of itchy one include contact dermatitis, hives, heat rash, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, back acne and more causes.

There are various home remedies i.e. cold compresses that can be applied to relieve the itchiness. For the extreme itchy back rash, please contact your GP. Don’t forget that there are also non-itchy rashes that can also occur on the back.

On back of neck, shoulder, side of stomach

Shoulder, back of neck and side of the stomach are areas that are very close to the back. First I want us to get it clear that rashes occurring in these places may be due to something specifically taking place at these specific places. This could be blockage of skin pores, irritant dermatitis or insect bite at these places.

In addition, a rash can begin at these places and spread to the back. Alternatively, they can start at the back and then spread to this places. There are also generalized rashes that can occur on the back, shoulder, back of neck and side of stomach at the same time. A good examples of such causes is generalized Pruritis.

Therefore, it is a good idea to respond promptly to any of their symptom at any of these places to avoid it spreading to other neighboring areas.

Treatments – cures and relief

Treatments will can be influenced by a number of factors. To start with is the general medical condition of a patient especially in children. The second factor should be based on whether it is generalized or localized.

It is also true that different causes will determine the severity of the resultant rash on back. In cases of mild or moderate cases, the following treatment may be effective:

A) Antihistamines Medications

Antihistamines are usually used in relieving itchy rash due to allergic reactions. A good example is Benadryl for itch. They are available in different forms for instance, they are available in the forms of ointments, creams or oral medication. A good number of antihistamines have a drowsy effect and therefore should be used before bed time.

B) Topical Treatments

In cases of body rash due to an infection, topical anti-bacterial and antiseptic creams may be the better option. There are more option of antibiotics that could also be used. When these seem not to yield any fruit, please see your medical service provider.

C) Hydrocortisone Cream

Hydrocortisone cream is very ideal for rashes on the back due to chickenpox or infections. It can be very effective in soothing and relieving localized on this area.

In severe conditions cases, stronger medications i.e. oral antibiotics can be applied. Certain medications for back rash may also result to more skin problem, so one must be very careful when choosing medications to use.

Home Remedies

On top of treatments we have recommended above, below are rash on back home remedies that can help relieve the symptoms :

a) Aloe Vera

This is one of the wonderful treatments for many skin conditions. It has got medicinal properties that makes it effective for inflammations and also help to relieve the itchiness and swelling. Prepare a fresh aloe gel and rub it on the back skin. Allow it to dry there and wash it off.

b) Oatmeal

This home product is known for its capability to soothe an itchy skin. Besides that, it is also good for back rashes. To apply it, soak one cup of ground oatmeal in a bath tub and soak yourself in it for about 20 minutes. For sure, this will relieve itchiness and also prevent them from spreading to other places.

c) Cold compress

Cold compress have proved to heal many skin conditions especially itchiness and swelling. Wrap some ice and then apply it over your affected back skin and then maintain it there for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can bathe using cold water but not for a long period.

d) Tea tree Oil

Tea tree oil has the antifungal property that renders goo in dealing with those due to fungal infections. It is used together with olive oil. Mix equal amount of tea tree oil and olive, dip a cotton ball on the mixture and then apply it on the affected back skin.

There are vast number of home products that can be used to perform the same way as the above products. They include:

Garlic
Coconut oil
Lemon Juice
Egg White
Cornstarch
Vinegar
Calamine lotion

When to seek for medical Care?

Rashes on the body normally emerge with mild symptoms that can be easily managed using home remedies and over the counter Treatments. In some cases, the they can be an indication of serious body disease. To be on the safer side, please treat any rash symptom immediately it begins.

Again, when back rashes occur alongside serious symptoms i.e. fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, breathing problems among other more serious complications, see your GP immediately!