Dirty neck L20.9

Frequently seen, typical result of lichenification of the neck and increased reticular pigmentation caused by inflammatory processes in connection with chronic atopic eczema.

Flat, usually blurred, somewhat velvety pigmentation on the neck or the lateral parts of the neck; often accompanied by itching.

1. Colver GB et al (1987) The 'dirty neck'--a reticulate pigmentation in atopics. Clin Exp Dermatol 12: 1-4
2. Humphreys F (1996) An histological and ultrastructural study of the 'dirty neck' appearance in atopic eczema. Clin Exp Dermatol 21: 17-19
3. Leung DY, Bieber T (2003) Atopic dermatitis. Lancet 361: 151-160
4. Seghers AC et al (2014) Atopic dirty neck or acquired atopic hyperpigmentation? An epidemiological andclinical
   study from the National Skin Centre in Singapore. Dermatology 229:174-182.