Neck rash - help!

[Hex999]

This rash started about 5 days ago and just seems to be getting worse.

A few weeks ago I started using tret (0.025) have been slowly increasing, had some mild sensitivity around nose and some peeling but nothing too bad. Then this rash started on my neck, I'd never used the tret on my neck but it's the only new thing I've introduced.

Not used the tret since but this rash is just getting worse. Only thing I have put on it is Cicaplast B5, then tried aquaphor. It was so itchy and sore last night I tried some hydrocortisone. Woke up to dry peeling skin :(

Any ideas before I give in and call the gp?

It could well be tret neck but maybe go and see a pharmacist if you are concerned or your prescriber.
The tret travels so even if you are using it on your neck you will get a reaction. It also works from the lower levels of the skin up, so effectively speeds up the skin cell renewal from the bottom layers so your skin sloughs off the top ones (that’s why with older forms of retinol from the 90’s 00’s you would see very waxy looking faces it made the resurfacing too fast). To add to that your neck has way less oil glands than your face so it isn’t getting that barrier of protection your face is and this time of year scarves and jumpers rubbing on it exacerbate this.

Interesting, thank you. I knew that applying to the neck could cause a reaction but didn't know it could travel, or just rub off clothes/sheets. Will give my skin a complete break for a few days and wash all bedding etc