Are you noticing what appears to be pimples growing on your neck?
“Pimples on the neck are usually either acne or folliculitis,” says Dr. Steven Musick, MD, a board certified dermatologist who runs Musick Dermatology, LLC, in Swansea, IL, which provides state-of-the-art medical and surgical care for all disorders of the skin, hair and nails.
You certainly need not worry that a sudden development of many pimple like bumps on your neck means cancer.
However, if one spot starts developing — looks like a blemish — but after a few weeks it’s still there — then DO see a dermatologist to have it diagnosed.
This is because the life span of a pimple is over after about two weeks.
Something in isolation that doesn’t go away, or, seemingly goes away and then grows back, is not a pimple. It may be skin cancer.
But groups of these appearing on the neck? Odds are against skin cancer.
“Acne is a chronic skin disorder that is most common in teens,” says Dr. Musick. “However, a large number of adult females also get them from acne.
“In adult female acne, the most common place to break out is the jawline and front of the neck.
“Acne is best treated by numerous excellent prescription medications (topical creams or pills) that are quite successful at improving acne.”
Do not pick at your blemishes. This can interfere with the natural life span and also cause scarring.
“Folliculitis is less common and also presents as pimples,” says Dr. Musick.
Folliculitis is inflammation of a hair follicle. The appearance may resemble a light mole — or a common pimple. Do not pick at these, even though it might be tempting.
“Folliculitis occurs when bacteria gets into the hair follicles and cause an infection of hair follicles,” says Dr. Musick. “This responds rapidly to appropriate oral antibiotics.”
Steven Musick, MD
Since 2008 Musick Dermatology & Advanced Clinical Spa has been providing state-of-the-art medical and surgical care for all disorders of the skin, hair and nails.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
