When comparing it to other parts of your body, your neck can get a darker hue. This dark ring around neck may look like a layer of dirt or dust. Your neck can get a dirty look that is dull and can range from patches to circular rings. It can also happen if you are exposed to the sun for a long period of time. It can also cause an itching sensation if it is from any other reason.
There are many different causes of why you may have dark skin on your neck in the form of discoloration or patches. It could be due to pigmentation, intestinal or liver disorders, hormonal changes, or skin infections. Here are some of the reasons that could cause this condition.
- Acanthosis Nigricans—this is a medical term which is usually characterized by thick, velvety, dark skin creases and folds on your neck. You can have the condition along with other disorders in your body. It could be caused by an increase in your insulin level as in Diabetes Type 2 or it could be just because you are overweight. Extra insulin will trigger your skin cell activity that can lead to changes in the skin tone of your neck area.
- Hormonal Imbalance—when you have a hormonal imbalance you will sometimes have an increase in your pigment melanin. This particular pigment can be responsible for the tone of your skin getting darker. You may also see dark patches on your neck which is known as hyper pigmentation.
- Eczema—this is also another reason you may have a skin tone that is dark. You may also find itching and irritation associate with this condition. Sometimes when it becomes so severe your skin on your neck takes on a dark hue.
- Fungal Infection—this fungal infection is called Tinea Veriscolor. This infection can cause flaky skin on your neck. When you neck becomes infected with this fungal infection it may become dry and brown with the dry flakes being shed from around your neck area.
- Sunburn—if you are exposued to the harmful UV rays of the sun it can affect the tone of your skin.
Treatments
If you have dark skin on your neck it can be treated using home remedies if it is caused by sunburn. You can use herbal remedies to reduce the tan but one thing that you should do to prevent it is to apply sunscreen before venturing out into the sun. If it is due to a fungal infection you can treat it with antifungal medications. You can use over the counter cortisone creams to help with the itching you may have if you have eczema. With eczema you need to keep the skin moisturized using If you are diagnosed with Acanthosis nigricans, your physician may prescribe tretinoin cream or retin A for topical application to help the skin tone to lighten it up. For a hormonal imbalance it will be up to your physician to prescribe the medication to help with this condition.
To find out exactly what is causing this condition you should make an appointment with a dermatologist.