The black neck is a term used to describe a condition in which the skin on your neck is noticeably darker than the surrounding skin. It is also referred to as a dark channel. Many wonder how to get rid of black neck naturally. The color change may be alarming and make you self-conscious, but in most cases, it is neither a cause of concern nor a contagious condition.
In some cases, however, this skin darkening may be a warning sign of something more serious, so it is essential to see a doctor to determine the cause and begin any necessary treatment.
Black Neck Symptoms
The primary symptom of a black neck is a darkening of the skin on the neck. In some cases, the darkening may also affect other areas of your body, most commonly the armpits. Other symptoms accompanying a black neck include thickened skin that feels velvety to the touch and itchiness.
If the darkening appears suddenly, consult a doctor as it could signify a more serious underlying condition.
Causes of Black Neck
The possible causes of a black neck include the following:
- Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans can cause dark, thick skin on the neck. The skin may have a similar texture to velvet. This condition can appear suddenly, but it is neither contagious nor dangerous. People who are obese and those with diabetes are at greater risk of the disease. In rare instances, acanthosis nigricans can indicate a more serious underlying medical condition, such as stomach or liver cancer.
- Erythema Dyschromia Persians
Erythema dyschromia perstans, or ashy dermatosis, causes slate-grey, dark blue, or black irregularly-shaped patches of skin on the neck and upper arms. Patches can sometimes appear on the torso. The condition is benign and does not indicate any underlying medical conditions.
- High Blood Insulin Levels
When a person has chronically high insulin levels, they can experience areas of hyperpigmentation on the neck, especially on the back of the neck. This occurrence is common in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Dermatitis Neglecta
Dermatitis neglecta is a skin condition that occurs when a person has a buildup of dead skin cells, oil, sweat, and bacteria on their skin. The buildup of debris causes discoloration and skin plaques. The neck is commonplace for dermatitis neglecta to develop, often because of insufficient cleansing with soap, water, and friction to remove excess skin cells.
- Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is an infection of the fungus Malassezia furfur. While this type of yeast is naturally present on the skin, too much of it or overgrowth can cause dark patches on the neck, back, chest, and arms. The skin may appear incredibly dark if a person has recently been exposed to the sun. The skin patches may also itch.
- Dyskeratosis Congenital
This condition is also known as Zinsser-Engman-Cole Syndrome. It is a congenital condition that causes hyperpigmentation of the skin of the neck. The neck may look dirty. Along with dark patches on the neck, the condition can cause white patches inside the mouth, ridging of the fingernails, and sparse eyelashes.
- Lichen Planus Pigments
Lichen planus pigments is an inflammatory condition that causes scarring to develop in areas of the body. Symptoms include grey-brown to black patches on the face and neck. The patches are not itchy.
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How to Get Rid of Black Neck Fast
Here are some remedies that can get rid of dark neck:
- Potato Juice
Potatoes have bleaching properties that lighten your skin to a considerable extent and make your skin tone even. You can use tomatoes to treat dark spots and acne.
First, you need to grate one small potato and squeeze the juice out of it. Using a cotton ball, apply this liquid to the affected areas. Let it dry completely and once it does, rinse it off with water.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar tends to balance the pH level of the skin. The presence of malic acid removes dead skin cells and gives your skin a natural glow.
Mix well two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and four tablespoons of water. Next, take a cotton ball, dip it in the solution and apply it around your neck. Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse it off with water. For best results, you can do this every day.
- Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera, rich in antioxidants, lighten the skin by inhibiting the enzyme’s activity that causes pigmentation of the skin. It even keeps the skin hydrated and nourished.
Take a fresh aloe vera leaf and cut the leaf open, and rub the aloe vera gel directly onto your neck. Gently massage and let it sit for 20 minutes, and then rinse with cold water. You can do this remedy regularly.
- Baking Soda
Baking soda is beneficial in removing dirt and nourishing your skin from within.
You need to mix two to three tablespoons of baking soda with water to form a smooth paste. Apply it to the affected area and leave it on for a few minutes. Once it dries, use wet fingers to scrub it off and then rinse with water. You can repeat this every day to see the desired results. Do not forget to moisturize after using baking soda.
- Ubtan
A traditional ubtan (a mix of powdered Ayurvedic herbs and other natural ingredients) is generally used to brighten and lighten the skin tone. Ubtan helps in reducing pigmentation and makes your neck skin glow. The flour used in the mixture helps exfoliate the skin, absorbs impurities, and tightens pores.
Take two tablespoons of besan (gram flour), half teaspoon lemon juice, a dash of turmeric, and some rose water (or milk). Mix all of them and form a medium consistency paste. Apply the mixture on your neck, leave it on for about 15 minutes, and rinse with water. You can repeat this remedy twice a week.
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Ayurvedic natural therapies for black neck
Ayurveda states that Vyana Vata and Bhrajaka Pitta govern the skin. The latter, a sub dosha of Pitta, is accountable for the color of our skin. When Bhrajaka Pitta is imbalanced, it manifests as soreness in skin, rashes, and coloring.
Ayurvedic technique to every problem includes pacification and balancing of three doshas by administering herbal formulas for topical and oral usage to handle the imbalance and remove toxic substances. Giloy, Khadira, Amla, and Anantmool are effective for treating hyperpigmentation.
- Kumkumadi
The natural oil includes Kesar and numerous different herbs, and it facilitates reverse pigmentation and tanning on your skin.
Take some drops of kumkumadi oil with aloe vera and turmeric. Apply the mixture onto your neck and leave it to dry for half an hour. Repeat this every day before taking a shower.
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- Herbal Bath
There are various advantages of massaging your body with natural oils. This, accompanied by applying a paste including turmeric, sandalwood, honey, bathing in milk, and adding rose petals in water, can help. You can at least follow a leap made with milk, love, and turmeric powder.
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Add the crucial ingredients in the exact quantities as required. Apply the paste and leave it to dry for a minimum of 5-10 minutes. Rinse it off with regular water. You may also add a bit of fresh orange juice or grapefruit into your bathing water, calming the pitta dosha. Palapa involves the topical application of natural formulations, pastes, and ointments onto the affected region for improved skin tone.
- Ubtan
Ubtan minimizes pigmentation and dark spots in your skin. In addition, the flour used in ubtan helps exfoliate your skin, gets rid of useless skin cells and impurities, and tightens skin.
Take two tablespoons of besan, a pinch of turmeric, ½ tsp of rose water, and fresh lemon. Mix the ingredients nicely in a mixing bowl to get a smooth paste. Apply the ubtan onto your neck and permit it to dry for 15 minutes. Gently rub down your neck and rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat the application two times per week for great results.
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Lifestyle Changes
It is vital to calm yourself for improved complexion in the long term. By changing some lifestyle and nutritional habits, you can observe better results. These include:
- avoiding exposure to excessive sunlight and carrying light-colored, full-sleeved garments while stepping out of doors in the sun.
- avoiding stress by practicing meditation, respiratory exercises, and chanting.
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- adding fruits like peaches, plums, and melons to your everyday diet.
- drinking an adequate quantity of water, juices, and coconut water to flush out the accumulated pollution from your body.
- doing exercise, sporting activities and yoga in a relaxing environment.
- exfoliating frequently to eliminate useless skin cells and impurities as well as enhance overall circulation. Depending on your skin kind and condition, exfoliate your skin with mild natural exfoliators.
Treatment options
The black neck is not a disease that requires treatment, but if it is caused by an underlying condition, you may need to treat it. Treatment would prevent recurrence as the underlying situation is remedied.
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If your dark neck problem is not resolved after that, you are required to treat hyperpigmentation. For example, once you stop taking medicines that cause hyperpigmentation, your dark neck problem would resolve automatically.
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If your skin still looks dark and dull, you may consider other dermatological treatments. Only a doctor can suggest the best possible treatment for your condition. Here are some of the possible options:
- Exfoliation
- Chemical peels
- Laser treatment
- Prescription medicines
Dark neck is not something that requires proper treatment. Consider this as a temporary skin condition that can go on its own. But if it does not, then you may need to see a dermatologist.
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Prevention of black neck
If a black neck is associated with obesity, losing weight could be a vital part of prevention. Here’s what you could do:
- Reduce snacking on meals with excessive saturated fat
- Replace refined carbohydrates with whole-grain meals
- Consume meals wealthy in fiber like fresh fruits and vegetables
- Eat whole wheat bread as opposed to milk bread
- Stay hydrated
- Regularly exercise
- Manage stress
Other preventive techniques include treating underlying issues related to a black neck, including diabetes or hypothyroidism, and staying far from medicines that aggravate or worsen the condition.
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Summary
Dark neck or black neck is very common as it is mainly caused by hyperpigmentation. However, there are several other reasons too that can cause darkening of the neck. If you have had this condition for a long time, consult a doctor.
