Eczema on neck - how to treat?

[JosieRosie]

At least I think it's eczema - it's quite an angry looking red rash that's flared up on one side of neck. Feels quite dry and is a bit itchy but looks worse than it feels. Can't think of anything that's caused it, although skin has been more dry and sensitive than usual really, put it down to the harsh weather. Have had eczema in the past but not for ages.

I've got some E45 cream and wash - any other suggestions? Have used 1% hydrocortisyl cream in the past with great success but apparently its only available on prescription, and would like to avoid taking 2 hours off work to visit GP if poss

TIA

You can get a lower dose of steriod cream from chemist, a thin layer x2 day should clear it up quickly. You can put moisturiser on top of that. FWIW I avoid E45 and all creams that have SLS in them as they continue the itching dry skin cycle, try Aveeno its magic!

You can get 1& hydrocortisone from the chemist. they will not sell it to you if you say it is for your face- neck is risky but I once had a problem with that.

So you could lieand say it's for you or someone else's hands etc- or somewhere they can't see- or go to your GP. Your Gp can prescribe 0.5% but TBH you'd need 1% for your neck.

Thanks v much - as I say I want to avoid a GP appointment because of the time and faff involved. Not impressed with E45 so far so I think I need to bring out the big guns. I told a pharmacist yesterday that I was sure I had got 1% HC over the counter before and she just looked at me like I'd fallen from the sky and just said 'no'. Charming

Will try again with another chemist! Thanks

I get this on my neck from time to time and would concur with Willybreeder - hydrocortisone and Aveeno (put on straight after bathing). I get my Hydrocortisone from the chemist but the counter staff always ask very loudly - "have you had this before, what is it for?"(cheek). I just say my GP told me to buy it as its cheaper than paying for my prescription.

Good luck

Try Aveeno it should be enough to do the trick on a small patch.

'I just say my GP told me to buy it as its cheaper than paying for my prescription'

Right - that's my line!

Will also get my mits on some Aveeno, is there any particular product in the range that I should get? I do seem to remember E45 being shite ineffective in the past actually but unfortunately I have remembered this the day after buying it

Just get the big fat tube of Daily Moisturising Lotion - it's a great moisturiser, I use it on my face on a daily basis - everywhere really.

Also worth thinking about why you have developed a rash - new make up, necklace, perfume, high neck sweater etc?

Thanks BettyBathroom. No, really can't think of anything other than I've been wearing woolly scarves all day every day for the last couple of weeks. Although I've only got the rash on one side of my neck - it looks very fetching I think stress can trigger an eczema breakout but actually I've not been too bad in that department recently!