• 1. Causes and Symptoms of Back Neck
• 2. How to Get Rid of a Dark Neck
• 3. Home Remedies for Dark Spots on Neck
• 4.  Can Dark Neck be Prevented?
• 5. Is Black Neck Contagious?
• 5. How Common is Dark Neck?
• 6. How is Dark Neck Diagnosed?

Causes and Symptoms of Dark Neck

The most common symptom of black neck is having darker skin on your neck than the surrounding skin. It’s also common to have dark skin on other parts of your body like the armpits and groin area if you also have a darker neck. Other symptoms of black neck also include itchiness and skin that’s thick, but feels velvety to the touch. Black neck can be caused by any number of conditions, but some common ones include:

Acanthosis nigricans
This is a skin condition that turns skin a darker color, and makes it feel thick and velvety. It commonly affects the neck, armpits, and groin. This condition is commonly related to insulin levels, often seen in people with prediabetes or diabetes.

Dermatitis neglecta
This skin condition is common among people who don’t properly wash the affected area. Things like bacteria, sebum, and other secretions build up because of a lack of hygiene.

Cushing’s disease
Cushin’s disease, or Cushing syndrome, happens when cortisol levels in the body are too high for too long. It comes with a whole host of symptoms, black neck being one of them.

Obesity
People who are overweight or obese may have insulin resistance, leading to high insulin levels — a common cause of dark neck or acanthosis nigricans.

Serious medical conditions
In some cases, dark neck (especially if there’s sudden onset) may signal more serious medical conditions like cancer, liver failure, and more. If you aren’t sure what’s causing your darkened neck, consult with a doctor.

How to Get Rid of a Dark Neck

If you can treat the underlying reason why you have black neck, there’s a chance you can make it go away and prevent it from happening again. In some cases, it’s not that simple, and medical intervention is necessary. In that case, here are some common medical treatments for dark neck:

• OTC and prescription acne treatments
• Prescription ointments and lotions
• Regular chemical peels (chemical exfoliation)
• Regular facials (physical exfoliation)
• Laser treatments

The treatment that’s best for you depends on your condition and what’s causing it. Consult with a medical health professional to find out which one is best for you.

Home Remedies for Dark Spots on Neck

First, we recommend you check with a doctor to identify the underlying cause for your dark neck. Acanthosis nigricans is a common reason, but that’s not always the case. It’s easier to treat a condition when you know what it is. But, some people do have luck lightening their skin with home remedies like:

Dark Spot Treatment Duo
Experience the Evertone difference with our Dark Spot Treatment Duo, perfect for all skin types. Professionally formulated with willow bark, squalene, lemon peel, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamin E, our Glow Bundle helps reveal brighter, rejuvenated skin.

Orange Peels
Some studies suggest that orange peels may help lighten skin because they have special antioxidant properties. This is why some people with dark necks use orange peel powder or dried orange peels mixed with water to create a paste. Applying the paste for a few minutes at a time may help lighten a dark neck.*

Coffee Beans
Like orange peels, coffee beans may have antioxidant properties that may help lighten darker skin. Plus, coffee beans may act as an exfoliant for the skin. Some people create a paste with ground coffee beans and water, and apply it to the affected areas for about fifteen minutes.*

Aloe Vera
You’re probably already familiar with aloe vera for sunburns — and for some people, aloe may also help with black neck. Cut open a fresh aloe vera leaf, and scoop the gel inside out. Applying it directly to the neck may help soothe and lighten skin.*

*Thoroughly cleanse the area afterwards to avoid undesired effects. If you have allergies, or aren’t sure whether a home remedy is the right choice for you, talk with your doctor first.