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Permalink Reply by Nondy Llewellyn on June 4, 2011 at 1:05pm

I would send her to her doc first.  You need to rule out any skin disorders (which only a doc can do) BEFORE you think about treating her esthetically.  The word you used that triggers this is "severe".  Anything that you consider "severe" should first be seen by their physician.

 

What "she believes" is secondary to what "is".  Find out what "is", and then proceed.

 

Nondy

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Permalink Reply by Rikki Field on June 4, 2011 at 1:31pm

Sounds like she has Poikiloderma of Civatte.  Living in Arizona I've seen a lot of this on women's neck & decollete from years of sun exposure and tanning.  

I've had consistently good results treating it with a treatment program consisting of Hydroquinone 4%, Retin A (.05% Tretinoin), L-Ascorbic Acid 15% and IPL. (and lot's of Sunscreen).  Read below for more information. 

Poikiloderma of Civatte

Poikiloderma of Civatte, also known as sun aging, is a condition caused by sun exposure. The skin changes as a result of chronic, long term exposure to the sun as well as normal aging. Chronically exposed children can acquire significant damage by age 15. These affects may also become apparent as early as age 20.

Lesions associated with poikiloderma of Civatte are usually asymptomatic, although some patients do report mild burning, itching and increased sensitivity of the affected skin. These chronic reddish-brown discolorations are commonly found on the neck and cheeks.

Although the exact causes of poikiloderma of Civatte are unknown, many contributing factors have been identified. Chronic exposure to ultraviolet light is the primary factor, explaining why sun exposed areas are the most prone to developing these lesions. Photosensitizing chemicals in perfumes and cosmetics have been identified as a possible cause of poikiloderma of Civatte. A genetic predisposition may also exist.

Diagnosis is made on clinical findings and several lab tests. A physician may order a simple blood test to exclude connective tissue disease. A biopsy of the lesion in question may also be ordered.

No specific treatment exists for poikiloderma of Civatte but there are various remedies, such as topical retinoids, hydroquinone, and alpha hydroxyl acids that may help. It is very important to protect the skin from the sun to prevent further damage. Avoid being outside in the direct sunlight from 10am-3pm. If spending extended time outside is unavoidable, wear a wide brimmed hat, long sleeved shirt and long pants. A daily moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher is recommended for daily use. SPF clothing, which provides an SPF of 55+, also can help block the sun’s harmful rays.

Recently, intense pulse light (IPL) systems have been found beneficial in the treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte. IPL is a high intensity light source, different from a laser, which emits polychromatic, noncoherent light. This light source is effective in reducing pigmentation changes.

 

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Permalink Reply by Cora Ariella on June 5, 2011 at 8:32pm

My sincere advice would be to stay within the scope of your license. We are not doctors. Even MDs fumble around when it comes to diagnosis. (("try this samples and come back in 4 weeks..."). I would refer this client to an MD and offer her the option to return to you for a facial after a diagnosis has been established. She will respect you for that and you will sleep better at night. I got my esty (tician) license in 1990 and  I made this call many times and  never regretted it.

best,

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Permalink Reply by Evlin Symon on November 3, 2015 at 5:08am

This is normal body response which is occur when we are angry,  excited or experiencing other strong emotions. But when it is persistent then it's a serious condition. The neck rash has several causes. she needs to see a skin specialist to rule out sun burn or skin rash. I know about one product Revivatone that is used to repair neck and chest area however I am not sure it is used in a neck redness or not. 

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