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itchy scalp and rash on back of neck

i have had a itchy scalp for 2 months and now i have a rash on back of neck and is itchy.i just went to my doctor today and she said i had head lice WRONG!!! if i had head lice i would be infested with them and so wouldn't my family.i have tried t-gel,head and shoulders,scalpacin and taking benadryl.i do have a little bit of dandruff and the tops of my ears itch.i looked at the pictures for seborrheic dermatitis and my head does not look like that i have a few scabs and the rash on my neck that just came on there this past week.i DO NOT HAVE HEAD LICE she doesn't know what she is talking about.she said i had a few nits and when she showed me what she found i said please that is dandruff she said she couldn't find any live ones.hello that is because i don't have HEAD LICE!! so what do you think could be wrong with me? this itching and scratching is getting on my last nerve!!
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Avatar universal
Mine started itching pretty bad on the back of my neck on an old tattoo, then went up to my scalp around my hairline and behind my ears.  after 6 weeks I went to urgent care and was told it was Petorisis Rosea, and that I had a spot of it on my lower back as well.  I was perscribed  two creams, one anti bacterial and one hormone, to just treat the symptoms, They dont know what causes it, its not contagous, and it can last for a while (normally 3 months) then just goes away. Mine almost went completely away, then came back again.  I am convinced that it is brought on by/made worse stress.
However, I am still looking for another answer or diagnosis that has a better 'fix' to it rather then just riding this out....I get insane with the itch!!!
I am also alergic to sulphyr drug and was unaware that it is in most shampoo, so I will be switching that now too, along with luke warm oatmeal baths and a ton of unpurfumed/dyed heavy lotion.  seems to help me out a bit.  Hope this helps you out.  (and the dr diagnosis seems correct, besides the fact its on the head and neck)
Helpful - 1
3057217 tn?1340427921
I hope alot of you read this.  I, also have this problem, however I believe I MIGHT have just figured it out.   DEMODEX MITES!!!!!!!!!!!     It all started after I took antibiotics as well.  I also had another weird parasite infection and an infection which I think is the root cause of getting these.
   They live in almost everyones eyelashes and/or
hair roots, however when your immune system is depleted, they can  multiply like crazy and spread causing  the itchy scalp and neck, back, ears, eyes, etc.   I got better from basically trying every remedy I could and finally got better after months of suffering.  I couldn't believe it when all these crazy symptoms started again.....BUT...I had a URI and took antibiotics again and then was out in the sun and that seemed to trigger it.  I read that you can use Selsun Blue (due to the sulphur) (put on your dry
scalp and hair and affected areas for 1 hour and then wash off.
to kill some of them off and I used it tonight and boy what a difference.  When I rubbed the skin on my neck globs of gunk was stuck to my neck which when I rubbed came out with the hairs. My neck and back are very smooth now and feel much better.  Hopefully this was the solution and they will be under control again.  I hope this info helps.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Omg, I thought I was all alone dealing with this issue! I can't even afford to see a dermatologist.  With me it started out in October.  I had my hair cut and the back neck began to itch I thought because of the hair touching my neck.  My hair started falling out more than usual and the itchy scalp began.  I paint my hair and haven't because when I do it itches the first day so, I've even had to deal with grays growing in... The back of one my ears has begun to itch and the skin feels weird.  The itching is horrible and scratching makes my skin irritated and red and swelled.  Last night, I began to experience itching on one of my eyelids! It continues to itch.  I purchased so many over the counter products and spend over $30.00 in products that burned when applied to the back of my neck.  This is really starting to affect me and I'm not sure what else to try? I'm so frustrated and don't think I'll ever find relief.  The money spent on over the counter products which were discarded could of easily gone towards a dermatologist but hearing everyone else here is it even worth it? I want this gone, not temporary relief.  I can't wear my necklaces and I'm embarrassed how my red and irritated my neck looks.  Ugh, I hope there's something out there that might bring permanent relief to this really annoying issue.
Helpful - 1
1 Comments
I'm so sorry, it does suck and I have only
dealing with it for a couple of months. I am a Melanoma survivor so a white raised mole popped up yesterday (on my neck that already has the rash), I see my derma doctor tomorrow. If I hear anything different or new, I will update.Good luck.
Avatar universal
I have the same problem - itchy scalp, neck, ears and eyes with a rash for like a month. I started taking celexa a month ago and the problems started. When I went to the dermatologist she told me that is "highly unlikely that I have an allergic reaction to the medication because of the distribution of the rash" and she suggested taking a biopsy from my neck for analysis to rule out inflammatory immune diseases. Guess what - the biopsy came back pointing that I had an allergic reaction to the medication regardless of the distribution of the rash. I am on prednisone for the rash and itching for 9 days and stopped taking the celexa.The rash and itching is gone for now.

Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I have the exact same problem but no one to check my scalp/hair but i too know it's not head lice. I have recently broke out with hives. It could highly be possible you also have hives, idk.  I read someone else's comment on here it could possibly be  "Demodex mites" and to use selsun blue dry leave on 1 hour before washing out.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I also suffer with the itching head which also included my torso for a time. Once my torso healed my head continued to itch. I’m thinking hair dye either causes or aggravates it.
I am post menapausal about 7 years and still perspire like crazy. The clinic doc suggested it was mites or some tiny insect. I freaked!
I then saw a dermatologist who said its not bugs, it was a reaction to excessive sweating. He gave me a cream that helped and a strong antibiotic. The cream is Clobetasol Propionate Cream, USP 0.05%. I didn’t use it on my scalp, so it continues to itch.
Occasionally an allergy pill helps.
Hope you all are doing better. Mine comes and goes. And does get worse after dying my hair.
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Avatar universal
I hav been dealing with this for 3 years my daughter turns 18 in
May if it is not gone I am taking my life - this is not a life to live my son will get my SSI AND MY DAUGHTER can raise him I have told her to be prepared . Every day i can’t wait till may - I have a list of every doc I saw ER PERSON who shunned me and anyone who turned me away when I cried and begged for help. I am still trying and fighting and Ben more because now I see the same damn lint balls in my sons hair and now these damn bugs won’t even left me just die I will have to stay and help him.  I moved out my home bought new things I work now ima factory so I don’t sit in one area and. They are in me - not my house or car one me and my hair - I have no friends I am a zombie living to take care of my kids and I don’t even do that well I am crazy from the crawling and bugs one sores my face legs I have ignored them and I am not crazy they are
There . 3 years of feeling bugs in your face - worms who knows I have lost 3 years of my life going. Blind skin hurts hair is falling. Out my beautiful skin is scare looks like I  had acne  and I never went. In the sun. I used to look 30 I look 60 and I am 40 . I want to die and be done with this life
They win I don’t care I have to sit and talk to problem and on my face I feel biting and movement . I am hateful and angry all the time this is hell.
Helpful - 0
3 Comments
Hi- I read you’re comment and I hope you are feeling better and that your family loves and supports you. I am here if you need someone to talk to. Stay strong,
Leah_bumblebee
Don't give up! I have had these symptoms for about 3 years also. You most likely have a form of Lyme disease that has went into your skin. It goes by the name of  Morgellons disease. I also have labratory confirmed Funnelformis mosseae, which is a biofilm forming fungal blood disease. I know I can not recommend tratments for others on this website, and I am not a medical professional, but what has helped me considerably is using tolfnatate (tinactin) ceam combined half and half with tinactin powder, and spreading it on the sores and affected areas, and keeping it consistently covered until they dry up. Try not to pick at the sores, or they become larger, and weep fluid instead of drying up. I spray tinactin powder on my back  Lypisonal gluthione has also given me some of my energy back. It is expensive, but it seems to help more than all the other supplements I take. Don't bother going to regular doctors. They will not help you. You need an LLMD ( Lyme litterate doctor). Unfortunately, insurance does not usually cover them. I travel all the way to D.C. to see my doctor, but it is helping. I felt like you before I found help. I have two boys, who unfortunately, also have the disease. Some doctors believe it is spread congenialaly through birth. I wish you hope and happiness.
Try one more time,  look at this site and check with this dr.

www.morgellonsmedicalcenter.com
Avatar universal
Same. I started feeling an annoying itch in my scalp and the back of my neck a day after i was rolling down a grassy hill with my friend. My mom says it could be an allergic reaction, but im not allergic to anything. I thought it could be head lice or simply a mosquito bite but I don't know. Sometimes it itches but other times it doesn't, and I also have no trouble sleeping. The itch is driving me INSANE!

                          -Itchy
Helpful - 0
4 Comments
Did you condition got better? I suddenly got itchy scalp and my neck area, sometimes my ears. Goes on and off but it’s sooo itchy and have no history of allergy.
I tried anti dandruff shampoo and its slowly less itchy
I suffered with annoying itch on my scalp and the back of my neck for almost 3 years. I finally seen the right Dermatologist who knew what it was and and I'm now cured, however, when I feel a itch forming I still treat it with the medication he prescribed and it works wonders. The medication is called FLUOCINONIDE  Topical Solution 0.05%  Believe me it works and I am so relieved. Hope it works for you guys.
So glad that you found something that helped- thank you for sharing your experience!  
Avatar universal
So much to read here, hard to know what to try. I am also having very bad premenopausal hot flashes which make my head tingle and burn since I am itching my head so much. Anyone else have that as well?
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Yes, the hot flashes make the itch worse.  I feel like I am allergic to my own sweat.
Avatar universal
I have had the same thing since getting shingles a couple of years ago...  lots of itching, lots of little bumps especially on the ears, back of the ears and back of the scalp... I had shingles on my scalp, too...  I use colloidal silver gel and it helps tremendously.  It goes away and comes back every few months.  I think its from the shingles virus that apparently never goes away...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm currently suffering with this problem and yes... it's driving me crazy too! I've noted all the various answers that have solutionsand I'll try them The first will be anti-histamine (because I've got some in the house) and then I'll try some Tea-tree shampoo. I've got a doctor's appointment in January so I'll ask him. The previous appointment in which I mentioned this back in October I was given a lotion and antibiotics ...short term relief only, though.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've had this issue of an itchy sensitive scalp neck and even the top of my forehead, i only got the itching to stop after i changed my shampoo and stopped applying my conditioner which im sure was the main culprit, try using an all natural shampoo, im currently using Dr bronners hemp peppermint shampoo, you can use it on everything even your pets, its a great product and my scalp feels clean and super cooled down from the peppermint and most importantly the rashes are gone!!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Rashes can often be cause by internal problems. The skin reacts to systemic issues such as candida (yeast in your body caused by too much sugar in your diet, or deep allergic reaction to something you're ingesting (food, supplements, medications). Candida is difficult to diagnose. The only way you know you have it is if you go on a strict no sugar, no carbs diet for 4 weeks or even longer, and your symptoms begin to clear up (actually, they can get worse at first, then clear up as your body is reacting to the changes). Here's a woman's story that might help:
http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2013/03/27/fighting-candida-naturally/
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Been having all the symptoms you guys have been talking about except the itching my neck doesn't itch. Just the top of my ears tingle a little.

I've been having some acne on my head mostly on the back of my head. My new barber pointed it out also I thought it might be he wasn't cleaning his clippers correctly. Then one day he uses a second mirror to show me my hair cut I notice my neck is reddish/purple i told him to show me again. I ask him if it was like that when I came in he said he didn't notice because he put that tissue around my neck where the cape goes. So I tell him take a picture run home, look it up on google I can't find anything that it looks like it. It's not bumps just an irritation. So I go all out buy the T/Sal, aloe, cocoa butter, black soap, oatmeal soap, etc. So it starts getting a little better I also had the flu during this time so I wasn't going out much. I put some cocoa butter stick on my neck but I guess I used a little too much because my neck turned bright red so was like wow I just gave myself a diaper rash on my neck. So light bulb went off diaper rash cream!  I bought some balmex it helped right away cleared up in a day or two after that. But my pimples were still there.

So yesterday it returned so idk what's going on I been using a head and shoulders shampoo and no conditioner. The only weird thing is it doesn't itch so unless someone points it out or i take a picture to check I can't see it. I'm going to buy some balmex again and see what happens.
Avatar universal
I am hoping this helps someone bc when this happened to me I couldn't find the information online. It's an allergic reaction to your shampoo!! Or conditioner. I was also told I had lice and didn't, then the itching and redness spread to my upper back and tops of my ears from my scalp. I had long hair at the time. I had not changed my shampoo or conditioner in YEARS but you can develop new allergies!! I even went to an allergist who couldn't figure it out. I finally figured it out when I changed shampoo and wasn't AS itchy- compared ingredients and it was missing COCOMIDE DEA and MEA. But still had something called COCOMIDAPROPHYL (sp?) which I figured was related. I found a shampoo with neither of those things- Pantene Damage Detox (the only reg drug store brand I could find) and have been fine for 2 years now
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
This is a very old thread, I too have had a flare up of rash, a few spots look like zits, one like a boil, a week prior i remember feeling in the spot of the boil like one, felt like a extreme on and off headache. I wish we could add a photo on here to show what it looks like. I have yet to see a doctor. A week now, my scalp and random parts on my whole body itch, I am thinking, what is going on, a doctor will want blood work and guess after. There is only a few things that will cause what all of you and I are experiencing, and the itch ***** so bad! A: Alchohol : although you may have been drinking a long time, your body usually gives you signs that something is changing. Perhaps even female hormones raising in the body,. estrogen. Or if you do not drink, perhaps you are getting older and exposed to pet dander, fido may be the cause, or your profession is the root, ie, you work on cars, you do oil changes etc. Although you do not think about it, the rags are oil soaked even after said clean and petrol may be causing it. This specific problem is isolated to this, not medications. The isolation in any given state, is to isolate each one by one for 2 weeks each, if the issue goes away you found it, if it does not you need to keep a chart of daily food intake and measure it vs outbreaks, you may be allergic to msd, sodium extremes or even additives. Doctors will not find you an answer faster, it is upto you to log all these issues and solve it yourself. To those that said doctors said it is lice, you can self test this ited, behind the ears you will find eggs if you wipe your ear with a dark soft cloth, you use your phone to take a pic of it and zoom in, if it is shaped like rice, yes, you have lice, if it has sharp edges it is dead skin. I have even heard it could be a worm virus, then it would resemble many oval shaped rash areas, that also you can get over the counter. Hope this helps!
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Avatar universal
I forgot to add that you will probably need to use the hair oils several times per day, and perhaps even several times within the same hour.  I just keep applying and over time the itching is less frequent.  

Sometimes rather than add new oil on a spot where I've already applied a few times, I'll instead lightly rub the spot with my finger tip in order to help the oil to better saturate.  

Small enough to carry in my purse, so the oils are easily accessible throughout the day.  And at home, I keep near the bed so I can use as needed.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I sometimes get itchy scalp - all over but especially on the neck.  No rash or bumps.  I have spent so much money over the years trying different products.  Below are the treatments I found work best for me.

Suggested a hair designer at Hair Cuttery salon to try a hair oil called Therapeutics anti-itch hair & scalp treatment made by Design Essentials.  I have used now for several years and it works really well. The active ingredient is salicylic acid 1.8%. Sold onsite at lots of salon chains. Recently found I can order online through Amazon or from JC Penny.

I just dab & rub in a little Therapeutics on the specific spot on my scalp where itching.  I have to part the hair to be sure getting on the scalp and not on the hair. Sometimes may have to repeat on a specific spot. Usually means I need to broaden the scalp area where I am applying the oil.

When applied it sort of tingles for a few seconds but then the itching is calmed. I like because I can use any time of the day and only takes a few seconds.  It has really been great for the neck.

I have my hair relaxed (permed) and discovered that new hair growth sometimes seems to trigger the scalp itching.  I want my hair to grow so I needed something to stop the itching.  

I found a hair oil that helps the hair follicles to soften up at the roots in the spots where itching.  I apply directly on the hair at the roots.  It's called Achieve 10 styling cream and sold online by Calista Tools. It's made with Argan oil.  

There are lots of hair creams you can buy but Achieve 10 works best because does not appear greasy and does not weigh down the hair. I use daily on my hair.

Also found that Argan oil is included in some of the Cibu hair products line. I use the Cibu Ancient Veil Argan Oil mist. I can spray both the scalp & hair root on the spot where itching.

I also use the Cibu Ancient Serum Argan Oil. I squirt in my hand and then use a finger to rub the oil on my scalp & hair root where it itches.  My local Hair Cuttery store sells but can also order online from Cibu.

Achieve 10 & Cibu products with Argan oil have  helped me. If I use daily as part of my general hair care routine, I find the itching occurs less day by day.

Although the Therapeutics oil is what really stops the itching immediately. Whereas the Argan oil seems to keep itching from reoccurring.

For my shampoo & conditioning, I use Nioxin (sold at many of the chain hair salons).  Nioxin has several different kits depending on your hair type - includes 3 products in each kit for your type of hair.

I love the Nioxin scalp revitalizer.  When goes on it sort of tingles and I leave on for a few minutes. Afterwards my scalp feels great.  When I go to a salon I carry my nioxin with me and ask the stylist to use my products.

I only use the Nioxin cleanser & the scalp revitalizer - products that are rinsed out after applied.  Found the scalp treatment that you leave-in left my hair feeling stiff.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Have been having a really itchy scalp the last 4 weeks also tips of my ears and a bad rash on my neck and left hand.. Have been rattling my brains eliminating everything I've been in contact with.. Antihistamines help give a it of relief but as soon as I miss taking one it flares up again!! Any advice is much appreciated ... Strange thing is my daughter also has exact symptoms but no one else in household has.. Literally tearing at my skin especially at night
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same symptoms, itchy scalp, back of my neck and rashes appear where I itch and the top of my ear. I had a sinus infection but the itching started before I even took the meds. I definitely do not have lice. I haven't found anybody online that had the same exact symptoms as mine. If anyone can share the same experience and share some remedies.

Thank you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
To anyone who is still having the itching on the back of their head, neck, or face..(and it's not lice), go to the store and get some pine tar shampoo!! It works!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My daughter has been dealing with this itchy scalp and rash on her neck sense January, we went to our third doctor, the dermatologist and they said it is a strep infection.  I recommend you ask your doctor to check for strep as she did not have a sore throat at any time to indicate that she had strep.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Look up subacute lupus erythematosus
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Avatar universal
Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus is what it sounds like most of you have
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Avatar universal
I have the same exact issue with the scalp neck and behind my ears. I started using KitiKiti product and have already felt relieve. I'll keep you posted on results.
Helpful - 0
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